TAMPA, Fla. -- AdventHealth is now offering free, drive-up testing for the coronavirus at Adventure Island for the next 30 days.
AdventHealth has 2,000 tests available per day to administer to anyone who meets the CDC criteria for testing. A doctor's note is not required.
ABC Action News has learned, will be no out-of-pocket costs, regardless of insurance status.
“We know testing is a critical part of preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” said Mike Schultz, President and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida Division. “We have an opportunity to make a greater impact on this pandemic, help flatten the curve, and keep our communities safe by expanding the capacity for testing and ensuring everyone has access to testing that is convenient and affordable.”
To help keep wait times down, officials strongly encourage pre-registering.Click here or call 866-694-5503 during the hours of 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. Testing will take place from noon until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each weekday after that for 30 days.
"We are committed to supporting the local community in any way we can during these incredibly difficult times,” said Stewart Clark, President and General Manager of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. “By partnering with AdventHealth, we are proud to be able to donate the use of our parking lot at Adventure Island to set up essential testing for residents. We look forward to welcoming our community and guests back to our parks as soon as is safely possible.”
According to AdventHealth, anyone who receives an appointment time will drive to the test site and stay in their vehicle. The test requires coughing and spitting into a cup.
"If you haven’t got tested, by all means come here and get tested," said Ryan Ilano, of Tampa. "It’s easy, it’s not going to hurt, you spit in a cup, be on your way."
There will be a designated lane for first responders and healthcare workers that show proper workplace ID.
Results are expected to be available within two to three days, according to the release. AdventHealth says anyone who is tested will get a call from a doctor or nurse practitioners with their results and next steps in care, if necessary.
“We want to make it easy for people to get screened, understand the results and either self-isolate based on the diagnosis or start the next steps to receive medical care,” said Dr. Rainer Chan, Chief Medical Officer of AdventHealth Medical Group.
