Sep 29, 2020 - Health

Tampa International Airport to offer COVID-19 testing for travelers

Tampa International Airport

Photo: Tampa International Airport

All people traveling through the Tampa International Airport will be able to get a coronavirus test on the premises starting Oct. 1, TPA and BayCare Health System representatives announced Tuesday.

Why it matters: Some destinations around the world already required travelers to present a negative coronavirus test upon arrival. Tamp's airport testing site is the first of its kind in the U.S.

Details: TPA, in partnership with BayCare, will offer a rapid antigen test and Polymerase Chain Reaction nasal swab tests.

  • Testing services will be offered on a walk-in basis inside the airport's main terminal from Oct. 1-Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. ET.
  • PCR tests cost $125, while the rapid antigen test has a $57 price tag.
  • All ticketed passengers who fly or have flown within three days and can show proof of travel will be eligible for testing at the site.
  • TPA advises those wishing to get a PCR test to do so three days before departure. Results will be available within 48 hours.

What they're saying: “As a gateway to the West Coast of Florida with a growing market for international travel, Tampa International Airport has a responsibility to explore safe, rapid and affordable ways to keep our travelers, their destinations and our community as safe and healthy as possible,” TPA CEO Joe Lopano said in a release.

Go deeper: Coronavirus has made airports happier places with less congestion

Go deeper