MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Health Department will host a drive-through specimen collection site at the Bradenton Area Convention Center from Thursday, March 26 through Sunday, March 29.
According to the press release issued by Manatee County Tuesday afternoon, the collection site will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
You must have a prescription to be tested for COVID-19 at the drive-through collection site. You must also make an appointment in advance with the Manatee County Health Department by calling 941-748-0747.
According to the press release, there are 200 specimen collection kits available for the four-day event. The Department of Health will schedule 50 appointments for each of the four days and the specimens collected will be sent to labs for testing.
According to the press release, everyone who arrives at the drive-thru must:
- Be in a vehicle. No walk-up patients will be seen.
- Drivers must remain in their vehicles at all times.
- Drivers must present a photo ID and a prescription for specimen collection, written by their health care provider. The name on the ID and the prescription must match, the press release says.
Anyone in Manatee County who believes they may have COVID-19 should call the Manatee Health Line at 941-242-6649 before calling 9-1-1 and before visiting a hospital emergency room.
For general information, call the DOH COVID-19 Hotline at 866-779-6121 or visit the Florida Department of Health online.
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