Aug 4, 2021 - COVID

Florida counties hold off on adding more COVID testing despite Delta surge

Illustration of a no symbol with a q-tip as the crossbar.

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

As COVID cases continue to rise in Florida, commercial care centers are busier than ever with an influx of patients seeking tests, WFLA reports.

State of play: TGH Urgent Care medical director Dr. Nicole Frommann told the station that clinics like hers are seeing a record number of patients who want tests, and she believes larger government testing sites need to open back up.

Yes, but: That doesn’t look to be happening any time soon. Local health departments are directing people to commercial testing sites like hers and contracted pharmacies.

  • When asked if counties would be bringing more of their own testing sites back, representatives for Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee all told Axios no — not right now.

What to expect: Wait times for test results in Hillsborough are 0-3 days depending on the site, Hillsborough health department spokesman Kevin Watler said.

  • "We are always evaluating the need for testing availability and will work with our Hillsborough County partners for additional options if warranted," Watler told Axios.
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