'Testing Has Been A Crucial Part Of Our Strategy', Gov. Ron DeSantis On Opening Two Walk-Up Sites In Broward
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - Coronavirus testing in South Florida is being expanded.
A new walk-up location at Mitchell Moore Park, in the 900 block of Northwest 10th Street, in Pompano Beach opened Friday. A walk-up testing site at the Urban League, in the 500 block of Northwest 27th Avenue, in Fort Lauderdale will open on Saturday.
Both walk-up locations will be capped at 200 tests per day.
Governor Ron DeSantis said Friday outside the Urban League location that he does plan on increasing that number and if the walk-up sites are successful, they plan to expand them.
"Testing has been a crucial part of our strategy here in the state of Florida to fight COVID-19," said DeSantis
DeSantis acknowledged that drive-thru testing has not been accessible to everyone.
"Maybe it is just too far away from where you live, maybe you don't have reliable ground transportation. So we wanted to see where those gaps were in testing access and see if we in the State of Florida can help to try to fill those," he said.
WATCH: GOVERNOR DESANTIS NEWS CONFERENCE
The governor added that by opening walk-up sites, it will increase testing capacity and help alleviate long lines at drive-thru testing sites.
"At this point, we have tested one in every 96 people in Florida based on current numbers. Obviously the ratio will get better as we get more tests results in but I think this one, what we are doing today, is really important to make sure that communities are not overlooked," he said.
To get tested, people must be showing symptoms. Appointments can be made by calling (954) 412-7300.
Currently, the testing sites open in South Florida are all drive-throughs, where people have to wait in their vehicles.
DeSantis said the drive-thru sites have been successful.
"Probably by the end of the day we will be about 2,035 thousand completed tests with results," he said.
If the two walk-up sites in Broward are successful, DeSantis hopes to add more of those types of sites in other underserved areas.
Susan Smith says she waited for an hour-and-a-half to get her nasal swab.
"I've been trying to be tested for two weeks. I called and I got an appointment right away. I don't have a fever but I lost my sense of taste and smell and I have stomach problems," she says.
The National Guard, BSO, and the Health Department will run the sites.
"It is an unfortunate and painful fact that the African American community has been hit hard by the virus," said Urban League CEO Germaine Smith-Baugh.
Eventually, they hope to add walk-up locations in Miami-Dade County.
There's no age requirement. You are encouraged to call and make an appointment.
The number again is (954) 412-7300.
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