TAMPA, Fla. — Nearly 17,000 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Florida as of Wednesday and with that has come the return of a high demand for testing.

Hillsborough County is temporarily opening two free public testing sites.


What You Need To Know


Starting on Saturday, free COVID-19 tests will be available at Palm River Park located at 725 South 58th Street and at 1101 East 139th Ave. Both locations are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The test is free, but you are asked to bring a photo ID and insurance card if you are insured.

Each location will offer 500 tests daily. Emergency management officials say for the most part these will be rapid tests, but you can request a PCR test and some will be available on site.

County officials decided to reopen the two testing locations are hearing from residents that it was becoming more difficult to book an appointment at local pharmacies or urgent care clinics.

 

“We do not have a residency requirement,” said emergency management coordinator Katja Miller.  “We’re not going to be checking that at these two sites. Technically, there can be people from other communities that can come and have this resource.”

Surrounding bay area counties also are offering tests.

Manatee County is continuing its free county-run testing location at the Palmetto Bus Station, 1802 Eighth Ave. West, which is also walk up site.

In Pinellas and Pasco, testing is solely at pharmacies and urgent care clinics right now. Check here for Polk County testing locations

Testing locations in Hernando and Citrus counties.

Check their appointment requirements before going.

Also make sure you ask if there’s any cost for the test before you take one.