Coronavirus Testing: New Drive-Thru Site To Open At Holiday Park In Fort Lauderdale
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - A new drive-thru COVID-19 test site is coming to Fort Lauderdale.
Beginning Thursday anyone who wants to be tested for the coronavirus can go to Holiday Park on East Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway.
Mayor Dean Trantalis announced Wednesday that the site, in Holiday Park off East Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway, will open Thursday, April 30th. It will be staffed by state health department workers and members of the National Guard.
Trantalis said testing is the key to this disease. More testing means officials will have a better idea of the spread.
"People are entitled to know whether the disease is in their city," he said.
The mayor said if numbers at the site contributed to the downward trend it will get his city closer to opening businesses like restaurants and nail salons.
Testing is available to anyone over the age of 18 with or without COVID-19 symptoms. No doctor referral is needed. Proper ID is required with name, date of birth, and photo.
Testing will be by appointment only. Those interested can call (800) 209-7919.
The site will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The testing area will be in the baseball field parking lot near Sunrise Boulevard. The test site will have two lanes.
"It's easy and fast," said Trantalis.
A map, issued by the city, shows that first responders will enter the test site from the East Sunrise Boulevard entrance to the park, while the general public will enter from the Federal Highway entrance.
First responders who need tests should have their badge or proper identification ready.
Tests will be administered by healthcare professionals from AMR. Patients will be contacted when test results are available.
Unlike county parks with drive-thru test sites, the rest of Holiday Park will remain open to the public while testing is going on.
"Testing, testing, testing is key to containing the virus," said Mayor Dean Trantalis
The mayor says the data gathered here will contribute to overall South Florida statistics.
If there is a downward trend over two weeks, the city can move to slowly reopening businesses like restaurants and nail salons.
RELATED:
Current Curfews In South Florida
South Florida Testing Locations
Track The Spread Of The Coronavirus In Real Time
How To Make Your Own Face Mask
Tips To Protect Your Vehicle While It Sits Unused During Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order
