UF testing residents at The Villages for COVID-19

THE VILLAGES, Fla. – The University of Florida is offering coronavirus tests for residents at The Villages, according to a news release.

A sign-up sheet has been made available for those wishing to be tested.

"Unfortunately, test kits and supplies are limited due to resource issues at the state and national levels. As a result, we can only offer a limited number of testing appointments each day and currently only to residents of The Villages,” officials said.

Dozens of people in The Villages could be waiting in their cars to be tested for the coronavirus on Monday.

Sandy Kleffman said she knows her and her neighbors are on the scary end of the odds.

“It has to hit us,” Kleffman said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the testing site will be operational and available by residents of The Villages on an appointment only basis.

“Anyone who is 65 and over who is displaying symptoms of Coronavirus," DeSantis said. “That’s things like a cough, a fever, shortness of breath. And, if that is you we want you to be able to come in here and get a test.”

People qualified to be tested will first need to register online and answer a number of questions. Once that is complete an apportionment time will be given and then that person will provide a swab sample from inside their car. Officials said results will be available within 2-3 days.

Organizers discourage people from showing up without an appointment.

Kleffman said she is relieved health officials are offering testing to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus that has proven to be deadly.

According to the sign-up sheet, testing will be conducted at the Villages Polo Field.

The University asks that residents use the South Entrance and utilize a golf cart, if available when visiting the testing site.

RELATED: Governor: ‘Golf cart’ drive-thru coronavirus test site at The Villages possible

According to the university, the testing process will consist of two arms.

• The first arm focuses on clinical testing using FDA-approved tests under guidelines set out by the CDC.
• The second arm focuses on voluntary research testing and uses supplies and test kits provided by The University of Florida Infectious Disease Lab for which FDA approval is pending.

For more information, and to make an appointment you can visit their website here.

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