ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County is kicking off its mobile coronavirus testing sites this week.
News 6 saw people enjoying the outdoors at Blanchard Park Sunday morning while practicing social distancing. In less than 24 hours the park will transform into Orange County's first COVID-19 mobile testing site.
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Orange County Health Officer Dr. Raul Pino said the state health department is hoping to get a better idea of how widespread coronavirus is by bringing testing into communities.
"That is going to be the true testament of how the pandemic, how it's happening in our communities because we will go and try to reach out to people who are not normally connecting or engaging with the healthcare system," Pino said during a news conference on Friday.
The FDOH announced the mobile testing site locations last week.
- April 20 - Jay Blanchard Park, 2451 N. Dean Road, Orlando, FL 32817
- April 21 - South Econ Community Park, 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32829
- April 22 - Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, FL 32805
- April 23 - Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
- April 24 - West Orange Park, 150 Windermere Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Pino said the tests are free and are for Orange County residents only. He adds they can test between 250 to 300 people a day, but you must make an appointment first.
You can make an appointment by calling 407-723-5004, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Health department officials said as of Friday appointments are still available.
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“On these sites, we’ll be taking walk on foot people who may have an appointment, cars, and bikes,” Pino said.
Pino told News 6 on Friday they could add more dates depending on how this first round of mobile testing goes.
“Then after that we will assess, rather quick, probably the end of next week. If we have a resurgence, we more than likely [will] do other rounds and more likely will select the same locations if we expanding to that level,” he said.
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