Collection Site for COVID-19 Coronavirus Set to Open at Raymond James Stadium open Wednesday -Saturday, from 8 AM to 2 PM

Thursday, March 26, 2020

To help ensure the health and wellness of our community, Hillsborough County, working with its community partners Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, BayCare, Tampa General Hospital, AdventHealth, HCA Healthcare - West Florida Division, and the City of Tampa, is offering a drive-through COVID-19 coronavirus testing site for symptomatic residents.

Beginning Wednesday, March 25, at 8 AM, the testing site will open at Raymond James Stadium, located at 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., to help expedite testing for COVID-19 coronavirus in symptomatic patients that have pre-registered through Hillsborough County's call center. The drive-thru testing site will be open Wednesday -Saturday, from 8 AM to 2 PM or while supplies last. The site is in the parking lot south of the stadium bordered by Tom McEwen Blvd. on the north, Dale Mabry Hwy. to the west, and Himes Ave. to the east. Vehicles should enter from Dale Mabry Hwy. or Himes Ave. Entry will be marked with signage.

The site will be staffed by health care professionals in medical protective gear who are trained to test for COVID-19 coronavirus. Directional signage and law enforcement will help residents through the testing site in an orderly fashion.

The drive-through testing site will remain operational as long as there is a supply of collection kits available. At this time, approximately 200 tests are expected to be completed per day.

Pre-Screening and Pre-Registration Are Required:

• - Residents may get tested if they have been pre-screened and meet testing guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and the Florida Department of Health.
• - Residents also must be pre-registered through the Hillsborough County Customer Service Center at (813) 272-5900. The call center is augmented with health care staff  --Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
• - Persons who do not have a designated primary care physician or are uninsured are eligible for pre-screening and pre-registration through the call center.

What to Bring:

• - You must arrive in a personal vehicle. Due to the increased risk of contamination as well as current shortages of personal protective equipment, walk-ups are not permitted at this time.
• - Each person to be tested must be seated next to a working window.
• - Limit vehicle passengers to those needing a test.
• - Have a photo ID for all persons being tested with name, date of birth and photo (can be Florida driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport).
• - Bring a printed copy of the testing confirmation email from the Hillsborough County Customer Service Center. Having this form with you will expedite the process.
• - Residents that are unable to print their confirmation number can provide a screen shot on their phone.
• You will be asked to provide the following information:

1. Full name
2. Current address (where you are staying)
3. Best phone number to reach you in order to receive test results

What to Expect:

• - You will be greeted by a health care provider in personal protective gear who will give you instructions.
• - You will be given a tissue to blow your nose. You will need to keep the tissue to dispose on your own.
• - A soft swab will be inserted deep into your nose to get the necessary sample. This may be slightly uncomfortable, but the test is quick and should take less than a minute.
• - Test results are not immediate. It may take several days. After the test, you will be given information on what to do while you await the results.
• - You will receive test results via the telephone number you gave at the time of pre-screening.

Persons who are experiencing a medical emergency should dial 9-1-1 immediately.

The opening of the testing site was unanimously approved by the Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group (EPG) on Monday. The Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group is comprised of three County Commissioners, the mayors from the cities of Plant City, Tampa, and Temple Terrace, the Sheriff, and Chairman of the School Board. Authority is granted by Article 8 of the Florida Constitution, Section 125.66 and Chapter 252, Florida Statutes. Hillsborough County enacted Hillsborough County Code of Ordinances and Laws Chapter 22, Article II, Sections 22-23 in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the County's residents during declared emergencies.

Categories: Health Events

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