Due to the public’s response, the Florida A&M University-Bond Community Health Center COVID-19 testing site will be able to conduct 300 tests per day, up from 200.
Organizers of the Bragg Memorial Stadium walk-up location were notified about the expansion by the Florida Division of Emergency Management Friday. In addition, appointments will now be extended to 3 p.m. daily.
The increase is due to the high demand for testing at the site. Currently, the site is reaching its maximum limit as early as 2 p.m. Testing continues daily through at least May 8.
“We are excited and appreciative about this additional support to test more of our community members. It is indicative of the demand and need,” said Cynthia Harris, Ph.D., director of the FAMU Institute of Public Health and one of the organizers of the test site.
Since the site opened on Saturday, April 25, 1,187 individuals have been tested.
The FAMU location is one of Florida’s four walk-up testing sites – one in Duval and two in Broward.
The site accommodates walk-ups and appointments. Residents can make an appointment by calling the Leon County Health Department at 850-404-6399. Going forward, appointments will be booked no later than 3 p.m. daily. Those with appointments should arrive no more than 15 minutes early to avoid waiting and congregating. Members of the Florida National Guard are involved in handling swabbing and specimens.
The site is for those who believe they have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to the virus. Testing is free. No physician referral is required.
Test results should be returned in a minimum of 72 hours. The Leon County Health Department will notify those whose test is positive, while Bond staff will call those whose test is negative.
“The past seven days have shown that people want to get tested. They understand the seriousness of this pandemic and the toll it’s taking on the African American community,” said Dr. Temple Robinson, MD., CEO of Bond Community Health Center. “Staff and volunteers have met all the challenges we’ve faced in providing this important service.”
