With coronavirus cases spiking, people seeking tests overwhelmed Hillsborough County’s two new sites on Saturday and caused them to close early on Sunday.
County officials had anticipated administering 500 tests at each of the locations, but instead completed more than 2,000 on Saturday.
The high demand created long lines at the walk-in sites and officials said they anticipated that the lines would be long all week.
On Sunday, the county tweeted that both sites would close at 3 p.m. to make sure all tests could be completed by 5 p.m.
Due to high demand at Hillsborough County's COVID-19 testing sites, lines at both sites will close today at 3 p.m. in order to make sure all tests can be completed by 5 p.m.
— Hillsborough County (@HillsboroughFL) August 7, 2021
Both sites will reopen tomorrow, August 8, at 9 a.m. Visit https://t.co/Ama1W3V1R6 for more information. pic.twitter.com/qpKZXS6iBo
Those visiting the sites should bring water and prepare for a long wait. Face coverings are required.
The sites are located in Tampa at Palm River Park Community Center, 725 S. 58th St. and Code Enforcement Complex, 1101 E. 139th Ave.
They are offering rapid tests but PCR tests are available upon request.
The county opened the sites, which do not require a reservation, in response to surging cases and high demand. Tests are still being offered at several pharmacies in the area, but reservations are required and the ability to schedule a test on the same day is difficult.
The Health Department in Pinellas County will open a testing site on Monday to deal with additional demand.
The site at the Center for Health Equity, 2333 34th St. S. St. Petersburg, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday until further notice. The tests are free and no appointment is necessary. For more information, call (850) 583-2419.
