WEATHER ALERT
US sees doubling in hospitalizations due to COVID-19 since April, reflecting spread of new subvariants
Read full article: US sees doubling in hospitalizations due to COVID-19 since April, reflecting spread of new subvariantsThe new variants, labeled BA.4 and BA.5, are offshoots of the omicron strain that has been been responsible for nearly all of the virus spread in the U.S. and are even more contagious than their predecessors.
COVID-19 testing, vaccine site at Joseph Lee Center closing at end of June
Read full article: COVID-19 testing, vaccine site at Joseph Lee Center closing at end of JuneThe city of Jacksonville on Thursday announced that the COVID-19 testing and vaccine site at the Joseph Lee Center will be closing at the end of this month.
Owners of embattled COVID-19 testing company under microscope for lavish lifestyle
Read full article: Owners of embattled COVID-19 testing company under microscope for lavish lifestyleThe owners of a company operating hundreds of pop-up COVID-19 testing sites across the country, including one in Jacksonville, have been the subject of several investigations by major media outlets over how they’re spending their money.
COVID-19 testing company under scrutiny now faces lawsuit over ‘deceptive and fraudulent practices’
Read full article: COVID-19 testing company under scrutiny now faces lawsuit over ‘deceptive and fraudulent practices’The Minnesota Attorney General’s office is accusing the Center for Covid Control of deceptive and fraudulent practices.
I-TEAM: Federal health agency investigating complaints related to COVID-19 testing company
Read full article: I-TEAM: Federal health agency investigating complaints related to COVID-19 testing companyFederal officials are investigating numerous complaints related to Center for COVID Control, the company that had been operating a rapid COVID-19 testing site in downtown Jacksonville, the News4JAX I-TEAM learned Friday.
COVID-19 testing available for Nassau County students, school district says
Read full article: COVID-19 testing available for Nassau County students, school district saysThe Nassau County School District on Friday announced COVID-19 testing will be available for students who are symptomatic or have previously tested positive for COVID-19 and would like to return to school, verified by a negative test, before the 10 days of isolation are complete.
What NE Florida districts say about WH distributing more COVID-19 tests to schools
Read full article: What NE Florida districts say about WH distributing more COVID-19 tests to schoolsWith parents and school systems all across the country struggling to manage an increase in coronavirus cases, the White House announced it will be distributing 10 million more COVID-19 tests per month to schools nationwide to keep up with the intense demand.
A look at the differences between the CDC’s and Florida’s COVID-19 testing guidelines
Read full article: A look at the differences between the CDC’s and Florida’s COVID-19 testing guidelinesSome infectious disease specialists call the Florida Department of Health’s guidelines for COVID-19 testing a recipe for disaster.
Statewide task force calls for more COVID-19 testing at trusted venues
Read full article: Statewide task force calls for more COVID-19 testing at trusted venuesGetting tested at trusted venues: Members of a statewide COVID-19 task force say giving tests at places people are familiar with can help track the spread of COVID-19.
Jacksonville now a high transmission area for COVID-19, health department says
Read full article: Jacksonville now a high transmission area for COVID-19, health department saysJacksonville is now a high transmission area for COVID-19, the Duval County health department said during a city council committee meeting Monday.
Line moving again at Neptune Beach COVID testing center after temporary closure
Read full article: Line moving again at Neptune Beach COVID testing center after temporary closureA day after having to close two hours early because it reached capacity for the number of tests it could administer, the COVID-19 testing site at the former Kmart in Neptune Beach announced Tuesday morning that it was temporarily closing its line for safety concerns.
Highly contagious: 4 out of 10 patients at local clinic positive for COVID-19, doctor says
Read full article: Highly contagious: 4 out of 10 patients at local clinic positive for COVID-19, doctor saysThe holidays and omicron variant are causing a spike in COVID-19 testing and cases across Northeast Florida.
Omicron, get-togethers mean demand for testing high locally ahead of Christmas
Read full article: Omicron, get-togethers mean demand for testing high locally ahead of ChristmasBetween a rise in COVID-19 cases from the highly-contagious omicron variant, people traveling and getting together for the holidays, there’s a surge in demand for testing for the virus.
Families line up for COVID-19 testing at 2 new sites in Jacksonville
Read full article: Families line up for COVID-19 testing at 2 new sites in JacksonvilleWhen the doors opened Thursday at the Emmett Reed Community Center COVID-19 testing site, there was a long line, but as the day went on, that line became smaller and the wait times were not for hours.
Duval County health department staff: Wait 10 days after positive COVID-19 test before getting retested
Read full article: Duval County health department staff: Wait 10 days after positive COVID-19 test before getting retestedThe Florida Department of Health in Duval County is asking those who’ve recently tested positive for the coronavirus to wait 10 days before getting retested.
Agape Health working with city to open additional COVID-19 testing sites in Jacksonville
Read full article: Agape Health working with city to open additional COVID-19 testing sites in JacksonvilleOne group offering COVID-19 testing in Jacksonville is working to open additional locations as early as next week.
City to resume COVID-19 testing at 2 Jacksonville senior centers
Read full article: City to resume COVID-19 testing at 2 Jacksonville senior centersLine of seniors waiting for vaccine Monday at the Lane Wiley Senior Center on Jacksonville's Westside. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Beginning Monday, the Mandarin and Lane Wiley Senior Centers that were utilized for vaccine distribution will return to providing COVID-19 testing. Beginning Monday, Feb. 22, both locations will open for testing from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Both sites will be open Monday through Friday. Makeup days were available for people age 65 and older and health care workers who received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at either Mandarin or Lane Wiley senior centers and missed their appointment for the second shot, the city of Jacksonville announced Friday.
Rapid COVID-19 testing available at site in former Neptune Beach Kmart shopping center
Read full article: Rapid COVID-19 testing available at site in former Neptune Beach Kmart shopping centerRapid COVID-19 tests are available at Telescope Health’s testing site in the former Kmart shopping center in Neptune Beach. The site, located at 540 Atlantic Boulevard, is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 29 through Dec. 31. RELATED: Where to get tested for COVID-19Telescope Health expanded its walk-in testing services for residents across the beaches and greater Jacksonville area, including St. Johns County residents. The site offers PCR viral, rapid and antibody testing for both insured and self-pay patients with no appointment or referral necessary. To learning more about the COVID-19 testing site, visit https://telescopehealth.com/covidtest/.
Lines for COVID-19 testing at Regency ease slightly
Read full article: Lines for COVID-19 testing at Regency ease slightlyJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The infamous lines and long wait times for a COVID-19 test we saw in the summer are back. People wanting for a test at the Regency COVID-19 testing site on Sunday and Monday stood in a line that snaked around the building. Nomi Health run @FLSERT Regency Mall #COVID19 Test Site in JAX, Florida. Final numbers for Tue, 11/24:🔺2328 Antigen tests completed🔺425 PCR tests completed🔴TOTAL: 2753Testing will resume at 9 AM Wed, 11/25. In addition to the antigen tests, which produce same-day results, 391 PCR tests were also completed on Sunday.
Long lines reported at Regency COVID-19 testing site
Read full article: Long lines reported at Regency COVID-19 testing siteJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Long lines were reported Monday at the state’s COVID-19 testing site at the Regency Square Mall in Jacksonville, the Florida Association of Public Information Officers said. Lines have been really long today at the Nomi Health run, State of Florida @FLSERT Regency Mall #COVID19 Test Site in Jacksonville, Florida. pic.twitter.com/nCPDpbSZ7I — Florida Association of Public Information Officers (@FloridaPIOs) October 26, 2020Earlier this month, the Regency site added free COVID-19 antigen rapid testing. Anyone who tests negative using this BinaxNOWTM COVID-19 antigen test but is symptomatic can receive a PCR COVID-19 test using a nasal swab. The availability of rapid testing prompted a surge of people coming in that the Regency testing site had not seen for weeks.
Changes made to COVID-19 testing schedule at Camden County Health Department
Read full article: Changes made to COVID-19 testing schedule at Camden County Health DepartmentCAMDEN COUNTY, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Public Health’s Coastal Health District is adjusting the COVID-19 testing schedule in Camden County as demand increases for flu vaccinations and other public health services. Beginning next week, COVID-19 testing will be available every Tuesday by appointment at the Camden County Health Department, located at 905 Dilworth Street in St. Marys. “We’ve seen a decline in COVID-19 testing numbers in our district, and the same is true statewide,” said Dr. Lawton Davis, health director of the Coastal Health District. And if testing demand increases in the future, we’ll adjust accordingly.”There are two options for scheduling an appointment for free COVID-19 testing through DPH. For a list of free COVID-19 testing options through DPH in other counties, visit covid19.gachd.org.
City of Jacksonville opens 3 new COVID-19 testing sites
Read full article: City of Jacksonville opens 3 new COVID-19 testing sitesJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city of Jacksonville opened three new COVID-19 testing sites on Monday. The free testing sites are open to all Duval County residents and first responders. Oceanway Senior Center (walk-in) - 12215 Sago Ave. W. 32218Lane Wiley Senior Center (walk-up) - 6710 Wiley Road 32210Leroy D. Clemons Senior Center (walk-in) - 55 N. Jackson Ave. 32229According to the city’s website, Leroy D. Clemons and Lane Wiley senior centers are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, while the Oceanway Senior Center is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. RELATED: Looking to be tested for COVID-19 in Jacksonville? If you are tested for COVID-19 at one of these sites, according to the city, Optum Serve Health Services will inform you when results are back from the lab and available on LHI.Care -- typically within four to six days.
Are sports leagues overburdening COVID-19 testing?
Read full article: Are sports leagues overburdening COVID-19 testing?All of those leagues have COVID-19 testing as part of their return to play. Other leagues are also preparing to return to the season, which means massive numbers of test kits. USA Today estimates that between the major league sports leagues now playing, they are using 19,000 test kits per week. The players are pushing for more frequent testing, which would likely find more positive cases but would also demand many more test kits. Sports leagues are likely to continue testing and unless a league stops their season again because of COVID-19, the supply of test kits and laboratory time will continue to be stressed by sports’ return.
Walk-up testing now available at Regency Square Mall site
Read full article: Walk-up testing now available at Regency Square Mall siteJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Nurses are ready for walk-up COVID-19 testing at the Regency Square Mall, the Florida Association of Public Information Officers said Sunday morning. In addition to walk-up testing, drive-thru testing is also available at the site. Those wishing to do the walk-up testing are asked to follow the signboards along the path and workers will guide people in. 🔺BREAKING NEWSState of Florida run @FLSERT ARLINGTON #COVID19 Test Site in #JAX:Nurses are ready for WALK-UP testing at Regency Square Mall! Regency Square Mall – outside old Sears, 9501 Arlington ExpresswayAt the Regency Square Mall sire, there is a maximum of five people per vehicle.
Patients must be at least 6 years old to be tested for COVID-19 at Legends Center
Read full article: Patients must be at least 6 years old to be tested for COVID-19 at Legends CenterJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Beginning Monday, the Legends Center site will only be able to conduct COVID-19 testing for those age 6 and older, Duval County Emergency Management said Sunday. Patients under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult and may be permitted with a waiver, according to the city. The city-run walk-up site, which can test up to 400 per day, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. RELATED: Here’s where you can still get tested for COVID-19 in JacksonvilleThe Legends Center is located at 5130 Soutel Drive. Click here for more information.
Hundreds of cars again line up at Lot J testing site
Read full article: Hundreds of cars again line up at Lot J testing siteJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More than 600 cars lined up Sunday morning at the Lot J testing site outside TIAA Bank Field in downtown Jacksonville, the Florida Association of Public Information Officers said. Those trying to visit the Lot J site should be prepared to sit in their cars for hours, so also make sure to bring water, a phone charger and a full tank of gas. Over 600 cars in line at the state run @FLSERT Lot J #COVID19 Test Site at @TIAABankField this Sunday morning. But just before 4 p.m., the association said the wait time at Lot J was 30 minutes. State of Florida @FLSERT Lot J #COVID19 Test Site at @TIAABankField current wait time: 30 MINUTESIf you can make it down here quick, not much of a wait.
Lines at Lot J, Legends Center testing sites cut off early Saturday
Read full article: Lines at Lot J, Legends Center testing sites cut off early SaturdayOver 700 cars in line at the state run @FLSERT Lot J #COVID19 Test Site at @TIAABankField this Saturday morning. Current wait time at Lot J in #Jacksonville: 🔺5 HOURS #State run @FLSERT Lot J #COVID19 Test Site at @TIAABankField has a current wait time of five hours. JaxReady said the Legends Center testing site opened at 9 a.m. with over 150 people waiting. The Legends Center Test Site opened at 9 a.m. with over 150 clients in the queue. Legends Center Test Site: Please DO NOT visit the Legends Center Test Site if you are not already in line.
Did you wait for hours to get tested for COVID-19? You’re not alone
Read full article: Did you wait for hours to get tested for COVID-19? You’re not aloneNews4Jax spoke with several people who have been to the drive-through testing site at Lot J outside TIAA Bank Field within the last week and waited up to four hours. Campos wasn’t showing any symptoms, but was tested because her co-worker at the orthodontist office she works at tested positive for COVID-19. Soleymani said to help with the demand, don’t get tested just to get tested -- only go if you feel you have been exposed or have symptoms. Children won’t be tested at Lot J. He said a testing site at the beaches is also in the works.
Lot J site now offering free COVID-19 antibody testing to adults
Read full article: Lot J site now offering free COVID-19 antibody testing to adultsJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Lot J site outside TIAA Bank Fied in downtown Jacksonville on Thursday began offering free COVID-19 antibody testing to adults, the city announced. 📢Antibody Testing Update📢The @FLSERT Lot J testing site is now offering free COVID-19 antibody testing for anyone 18+ years old. There is also still free COVID-19 testing for anyone who wants a test. Last month, the Lot J site started offering antibody testing to first responders and health care workers. The city said there will still be free COVID-19 testing at the Lot J site, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
Prime Osborn COVID-19 testing site closing
Read full article: Prime Osborn COVID-19 testing site closingJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city-sponsored COVID-19 testing site, in partnership with Telescope Health and Baptist Health, will be ending operations at the Prime Osborn Convention Center as testing availability expands throughout Duval County. Wednesday, May 20, is the last day the drive-through testing site will be open. The Prime Osborn site was the first public site to offer COVID-19 testing across Northeast Florida. “We’re pleased that our joint-operations at Prime Osborn have inspired so many public testing sites across Northeast Florida,” said Dr. Matthew Rill, CEO of Telescope Health. Baptist Health’s urgent care partner, CareSpot, will continue to provide COVID-19 testing at 15 locations, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week.
Clay County opens 1st community coronavirus testing site
Read full article: Clay County opens 1st community coronavirus testing siteRon DeSantis announced his plan to slowly and methodically reopen Florida’s economy, Clay County officials announced Friday that the county will be opening COVID-19 testing sites in the community. Emergency Management Director John Ward said testing hadn’t been as readily available in Clay County because of concerns with personal protective equipment shortages and a lack of testing swabs. But those issues have been resolved and increasing testing capacity is one of the elements to ensure a safe reopening so that coronavirus patients can be identified quickly. Ward acknowledged that it’s likely COVID-19 case numbers will increase in the county as testing capacity improves. Clay County, which has extended the local state of emergency through May 8, is also offering to help those in need of food assistance.