UPDATE: On March 31, the county opened the testing site back up.
Hillsborough County is re-opening the COVID-19 community collection testing site at Raymond James Stadium, located at 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, from Wednesday, April 1 through Friday, April 3.
The drive-thru testing will ONLY be administered to symptomatic individuals who have pre-registered and have been scheduled an appointment throughHillsborough County’s call center at (813) 272-5900. The call center will be taking appointments today through Thursday, April 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More info is available via hillsboroughcounty.org.
Don’t call the Hillsborough County call center if you need to make an appointment for a drive-thru COVID-19 test.
That’s the message the county sent on Thursday.
“The Hillsborough County call center has made appointments for 900 residents since opening lines this week for people with COVID-19 symptoms,” a statement said. “Based on the limited number of test kits available, no more appointments will be made for the drive-through test site until further notice.”
The county said that’s because, this week, its call center had been staffed by health care professionals who could screen and qualify callers for testing related to symptoms consistent with COVID-19 coronavirus.
Now, the county is asking folks with coronavirus symptoms to contact their health care providers for further guidance on testing options.
“If you are sick and unable to get tested, you should self-quarantine,” the statement said. “Stay in a specific ‘sick room’ if possible, and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom if available, and clean high-touch surfaces often.”
The City of Tampa has issued additional guidance for those who think they may have the coronavirus or COVID-19. See it below and via tampagov.net.
If you suspect you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness (such a cough or difficulty breathing), you should also stay home and call your healthcare provider. They will guide you on whether you should be tested and direct you to a COVID-19 testing site.
The following health care providers offer virtual health screenings using your computer or mobile device:
$59 per visit
Hotline: 1-877-VIRUSHQ
$59 per visit
Tampa General Hospital Virtual Care
$49 per visit
If you are sick you should also:
– Stay home and avoid going out in public
– Distance yourself from others in the home
– Wash your hands frequently
– Wear a face mask when interacting with others around you, including first responders
– Call your doctor and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen
If you experience a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1 and inform the dispatcher about your symptoms. Cover your mouth and nose with a face mask if possible before first responders arrive.
For additional questions about Coronavirus, call the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 Call Center (open 24/7) at 1-866-779-6121 or email COVID-19@health.gov.
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This article appears in Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2020.