***UPDATE 3/27/2020: Lot J no longer requires temperature for COVID-19 testing in Duval County
Two testing sites for the coronavirus or COVID-19 are now open in downtown Jacksonville: one at the Prime Osborn Convention Center and another at TIAA Bank Field. But people wanting the test should not just show up. There are guidelines in place.
TIAA Bank Field Testing Site
The federal testing drive-thru site for the coronavirus, or COVID-19,opened Saturday at 9 a.m. in Lot J. It will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here's what you need to know:
- All ages can get tested, you must have a fever of 99.6 degrees or higher, plus have respiratory symptoms.
- Testing is also open to healthcare and first responders who will have direct contact with patients. Dental workers are not eligible.
- You cannot show up before 9 a.m.
- You must arrive in a vehicle with a maximum of four people per vehicle
- A doctor screening is not required ahead of time. There are on-site doctors who will determine if you meet the criteria for COVID-19.
- Bring a photo ID and insurance card if you have one (insurance is not required)
- Bring their own pen
- Bring photo identification
- Bring a work ID if classified as a health care worker or first responder
- Refrain from taking any fever-reducing medicine four to six hours before testing
How much will it cost?
Free of charge
If you're coming from the Westside: Use Bay Street
If you're coming from the Eastside: Use Gator Bowl Boulevard
Cars lined up along Bay Street throughout the day Saturday as authorities opened the Lot J site. The testing site is an effort between federal, state and local authorities, with equipment and designation from the federal government.
"A week and a half ago, none of us were in the mobile medical testing site building and management business," said City of Jacksonville Chief Administrative Officer Brian Hughes. "We are today."
The testing site will remain in operation for the coming days. According to the city, tests will be conducted as long as they are available.
"It really does go back to the individual and how you're going to take care of yourself, your family, your friends, and do everything we can not to expose other people to the sickness," said Steven Woodard, Jacksonville's Director of Emergency Preparedness.
Prime Osborn Convention Center Testing Site
Meanwhile, a city-sponsored testing drive-thru site opened at the Prime Osborn Convention Center in Downtown Jacksonville on Friday and will remain open seven days a week starting at 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Here's what you need to know:
- You must be a Duval County resident and be approved through pre-screening
- You must first be pre-screened using the Telescope Health mobile application.
- You are encouraged to get pre-screened if you have:
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher combined with either a dry cough or shortness of breath, OR
- Travel on any cruise ship within the past 14 days or travel to a known COVID-19 hotspot and are experiencing any of the symptoms above
- This testing will be prioritizing those in the community who are ages 65 are over, have pre-existing conditions, healthcare workers and/or first responders.
- Bring your driver’s license and Telescope Health physician order
How much does it cost?
- When you download the Telescope Health app or go to its website, register for a free account. Enter the promo code "HERE4YOU" to receive a discounted rate of $25, which you will be reimbursed by the city. If you don't use the promo code, it's $49.