New COVID-19 testing site opens at the Charlotte County Sports Park

Tuesday, a new COVID-19 testing site opens at the Charlotte County Sports Park.

It will provide tests on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.

You must be at least 18 to get a test and it is a drive-thru service.

Appointments are not required at that testing facility but healthcare officials say it will speed up the process if you register beforehand.

Doctors stressed how important testing and contact tracing are.

It allows you to narrow down who has it and also who these people are coming in contact with and potentially further spreading the virus.

That’s why the CDC is stressing even if you have minimal to no symptoms you should still get tested.

But remember, if you receive a negative test it doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.

“Receiving a negative diagnosis doesn’t put the matter to rest, correct? Because the virus is still out there. So just because you’re negative today doesn’t mean that you may be negative tomorrow… And remember there’s an incubation period from 2-14 days,” said Dr. Bindu Mayi, Professor of Microbiology at NSU’s College of Medical Sciences.

Results could take between 7-10 days to come back, but doctors say they are hoping to speed up that return.