PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A new drive-thru COVID-19 testing site opened Monday morning at the Ruth Eckerd Hall parking lot in Clearwater.
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The site location was chosen to provide closer access to residents living and working in northern and central Pinellas County, according to county leaders.
The site is in partnership with BayCare, Pinellas County, the City of Clearwater, the Florida Department of Health Pinellas County (FDOH), and Ruth Eckerd Hall.
“We are pleased to provide increased access to testing for all of our residents throughout the county,” said Pinellas County Commissioner Chair Pat Gerard. “I’m grateful that we came together with our partners to strategically assist our community.”
The test site is drive-thru only and will operate similarly to the now-closed Tropicana Field site, in that public agencies are partnering with private entities to bring testing access to the community.
Pinellas County, the City of Clearwater, FDOH and Ruth Eckerd Hall are providing logistical, public safety and clinical teams for the site while BayCare Health System will provide management, testing and notify patients of results.
Testing will be available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.
“As a testing site, we have the opportunity to be of service and put our resources to work for our community, albeit in a completely different way,” commented Susan Crockett, Ruth Eckerd Hall President & CEO.
Patients are encouraged to bring a referral from a medical provider and those who do not will be screened based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Testing will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
