Sarasota, Fla. – The Department of Health in Sarasota County, Sarasota County Government along with Sarasota Memorial Hospital have decided to pause the COVID-19 Drive-Thru testing site located at Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota until Tuesday, March 31
To date, more than 60 people have been tested, however DOH Sarasota has not been able to fill the 50 appointment slots per day. DOH Sarasota believes that by pausing operations for two days community members who believe they have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will have more time to seek medical advice, have a test ordered, and receive an appointment to visit the testing site. Additionally, pausing for a couple of days will help to conserve our most valuable resource, the people who are staffing the testing site for our community.
As a reminder, visitors to the Sarasota County COVID-19 testing site must be referred by a physician to be tested. The physician’s office will contact DOH Sarasota who will then contact the individual with an appointment day and time.
The site will be re-open at 8 a.m. Tuesday and run until noon.
The site has been set up at Twin Lakes Park, located at 6700 Clark Road in Sarasota.
Please be reminded:
- Individuals being tested must be in a vehicle. No walk-ups.
- Remain in their vehicle at all times.
- Present a photo ID and prescription for specimen collection, written by their health care provider. (Name on ID and prescription must match.)
Sarasota County residents who believe they may have COVID-19 are asked to call the Sarasota County COVID-19 call center at (941) 861-2883 BEFORE visiting a hospital emergency room.
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
Stay home except to get medical care: You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
For general information, call the DOH COVID-19 Hotline at (866) 779-6121 or visit www.floridahealth.gov/covid-19 .
###About the Florida Department of HealthThe Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.