OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A coronavirus testing site in Osceola County will continue conducting testing through next week, according to the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County.
The testing site at Osceola Heritage Park reached its limit of 450 tests before 9 a.m. Wednesday, and cars were still lined up.
“You’re seeing more positive cases,” said FDOH spokesman Jeremy Lanier.
On Wednesday, the FDOH reported 112 new coronavirus cases in Osceola County.
According to state numbers, that triple digit increases have stretched through the last week.
One of the highest numbers -- 255 new cases -- was reported on July 4th.
Lanier said FDOH was supposed to wrap up testing at Heritage Park on Friday, but decided to extend it on Wednesday afternoon.
"Testing will continue at this location on Saturday, July 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.," he said.
News 6 asked him about complaints that some test results were taking longer than five days to be reported.
“The labs are doing their best to process the testing,” he said.
Quest Diagnostics -- which processes test samples across the nation -- told News 6 on Wednesday a surge in testing is causing their delays.
A spokesperson said "...demand has continued to rise... particularly in the South, Southwest and West regions of the country, outpacing our capacity. As a result, the average turnaround time for reporting test results is now 1 day for priority 1 patients and 4-6 days for all other populations."
Lanier said he didn't want people who think they've been exposed to the virus to be discouraged from getting tested.
“If you feel symptoms or if you feel like you may have come into contact, absolutely consider getting tested,” Lanier said. “If you feel sick, stay at home, isolate yourself. Follow CDC guidelines and contact your health provider.”
Appointments are not required for this site, patients are asked to wear a mask and bring a pen to complete paperwork.
For more information and additional testing sites in Central Florida click or tap here.
Osceola County has a total of 3,190 positive coronavirus cases according to the Florida Department of Health.
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