The COVID-19 testing site in Lot J outside TIAA Bank Field Stadium is closed in the River City. Testing ended at the long-standing site Wednesday at 5 p.m with 43,535 COVID-19 tests completed.
State of Florida @FLSERT#Jacksonville #COVID19 Test Site numbers for Tuesday, July 14, 2020:
— Florida Association of Public Information Officers (@FloridaPIOs) July 14, 2020
Active virus swab tests:
Regency: 1,341
Westside: 838
Northside: 594
Lot J: 290
Make an appointment for Wednesday at Westside, Regency, and Northside locations:https://t.co/HXlaoUXlSd pic.twitter.com/hpwf6wakEB
Coronavirus testing is now operational inside the Regency Square Mall. The new location offers walk-up and drive-thru testing.
The walk-up testing facility is air-conditioned, and those entering the facility must wear face masks.
According to the association, appointments are not required, but they encouraged. To make an appointment, visit DoINeedACOVID19Test.com. The site will also assist anyone who shows up without an appointment.
In the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and during peaks, Lot J was infamous for its long lines, sometimes stretching for longer than 2 miles.
Afternoon summer storms made keeping the site open difficult too.
Information from the Florida Association of Public Information Officers showed the number of people tested at Lot J had gone down dramatically since three federal surge testing sites opened in Jacksonville last week.
Critics accused the city of wanting to move the coronavirus testing site to please President Donald Trump during his visit to the River City at the Republican National Convention, according to a report by Florida Times Union.
City officials said the theory was false.