LAKELAND, Fla. -- Lakeland Regional Health, in collaboration with the City of Lakeland, is opening the first drive-thru coronavirus testing site in the city on Monday, April 20.
The testing location will be at the RP Funding Center parking lot at 701 W Lime St. Patients will follow signs to check-in, registration and swabbing stops. Team members will be in full PPE and patients will be asked to wear a mask.
“As one of the city’s leading healthcare providers, we take very seriously our commitment to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our patients, families, and residents,” said Danielle Drummond, MS, FACHE, Lakeland Regional Health President and CEO Elect. “Because not all care providers in the area have access to the swab-testing kits needed for COVID-19 testing, we felt that opening a Drive-Thru Testing Center would provide our community with a much-needed COVID-19 testing option that is both safe and convenient.”
The process will take 15 minutes, according to LRH. The testing will be open weekdays for as long as testing kits remain in good supply, according to the hospital. The samples will be sent to a commercial lab for testing and patients will be notified directly of their results. Officials say results will generally take three to six days to come back.
“We are grateful for the excellent tolerance of Lakeland citizens during this restrictive crisis," said Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz. "The City recognizes the concern of citizens who suspect they may have been exposed to or have symptoms of the virus. Working alongside Lakeland Regional Health, this Drive-Thru Testing Center will give citizens safe and simple access to a COVID-19 test."
According to a press release, patients will need an appointment to be tested. To get an appointment, patients can have their providers fax 863-687-1106 or email CentralScheduling@myLRH.org.
If you don't have a doctors note, LRH recommends using their telehealth service which launched on Sunday, April 19.
