State-supported coronavirus testing sites in Florida to temporarily close over storm concerns

Posted: Jul 29, 2020 / 09:47 PM CDT | Updated: Jul 29, 2020 / 09:47 PM CDT

FILE – In this July 17, 2020, file photo, a health care worker sanitizes her equipment while working at a walk-up COVID-19 testing site during the coronavirus pandemic in Miami Beach, Fla. As the world races to find a vaccine and a cure for COVID-19, there is seemingly no antidote in sight to the burgeoning outbreak of coronavirus conspiracy theories, hoaxes, anti-mask myths and sham treatments. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

TAMPA, Fla. (News Nation/WFLA) – All state-supported coronavirus testing sites will temporarily close over concerns of Potential Tropical Cyclone 9.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) announced that all-state supported drive-thru and walk-thru COVID-19 testing sites will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday.

The sites will remain closed until they are safe to reopen. Sites are anticipated to reopen by Aug. 5 at the latest.

Free COVID-19 testing remains available through local county health departments, but those wishing to be tested must call in advance.

FDEM said as the storm passes through regions of the state, sites will reopen on a rolling basis.

Testing site re-opening will be posted on FDEM’s social media, including Facebook and Twitter.