With access to COVID-19 testing expanding in Jacksonville, it’s fair to wonder who’s eligible to get tested at the government-run drive-through sites operating in the city and around Northeast Florida.
So with that in mind, let’s recap the options and requirements for each:
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Lot J at TIAA Bank Field
Testing is open to people of all ages who have respiratory symptoms of coronavirus, as well as health care workers and first responders who have had direct contact with confirmed cases. This is a regional, state-run center open to any Florida resident.
Patients are no longer required to have an on-site temperature of 99.6 degrees or higher. This comes after the recent decision to lift the requirement that people be of age 65 or older to get tested. It’s not necessary to have a doctor’s note or appointment, but people do need to present some symptoms or have been in contact with a person who has tested positive to receive a test.
The Lot J site is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, or while supplies last. Not operated by the Florida National Guard, the site can test up to 750 people per day.
Those seeking testing should bring their own pen and photo ID. They’re asked to remain inside their vehicles at all times. Only four people in each vehicle will be tested.
American Sign Language and Spanish-language interpreters will be on hand to help as needed.
It’s important to remember that public restrooms will not be available. Drivers coming from the Westside should use Bay Street, while those coming from the Eastside should use Gator Bowl Boulevard.
Prime Osborn
The city-run site near the Prime Osborn Convention Center is open to Jacksonville residents only.
In order to get tested, patients must first undergo screening and obtain an appointment through Telescope Health, as doctor’s notes obtained from other health care providers are not accepted.
To complete the screening, just visit TelescopeHealth.com or download the Telescope Health app using either the App Store or Google Play. It’s free of charge with the promo code HERE4YOU.
Having health insurance is not required.
Those who qualify for testing will receive an order for testing at a specific date and time. That order must either be displayed on your phone or printed out and placed on your dashboard.
In addition to the Telescope doctor’s order, patients are asked to bring their ID and a pen.
The Prime Osborn site is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week or while supplies last.
What should I do afterward?
It could take five to seven days for tests results to come back, so everyone who receives a test is asked to self-isolate for 14 days to avoid further transmission of the virus.
Those who get tested at Lot J can check LabCorp’s website for results, according to Fire Chief Keith Powers.
For people who go through the Prime Osborn site, test results will be delivered in a phone call to the number entered during the Telescope Health registration process.
Other testing options
Walk-up and surveillance testing is offered by UF Health at different times and locations at public housing projects in Northwest Jacksonville. Full details
St. Johns County residents can be tested at Flagler Health, Avecina Medical-Julington Creek and at the St. Johns County Health Department. Full details
Residents in Clay County and Nassau County can use the Lot J testing site in Jacksonville or should call your health provider or the health department at 866-779-6121.
Flagler County has a drive-thru testing site at the Palm Coast campus of Daytona State College. Full details
Testing options in Southeast Georgia. Full details
Mayo Clinic also offers testing, but only for Mayo patients. It is available from 8 am to 2 pm.
Testing sites across Florida
Data visualization by Donovan Myrie, WKMG/Orlando