Aerial photo of the Covid-19 testing site in the Miami Hard Rock Stadium parking lot. By Felix Mizioznikov @ Shutterstock.com
The Miami Herald reports that “For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit South Florida, anyone regardless of age, underlying health conditions or known exposure to the disease is now eligible to get tested without an appointment.” Aaron Leibowitz and Joey Flechas continue:
State officials announced Tuesday that the drive-thru testing site at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, which was previously open to anyone 18 and older with symptoms or close contact with someone who tested positive, is now open and free to anyone who shows up in a car.
“Right now we are able to test anyone that desires a test, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not, regardless of age,” Mike Jachles, a spokesman for the Hard Rock site, told the Miami Herald. “This is a significant advantage to our residents.”
The change reflects loosening requirements for COVID-19 testing across South Florida in recent days. City of Miami officials expanded their testing site at Hadley Park in Liberty City this week to anyone 18 and older, with or without symptoms. When the site first opened March 28, testing was only available for city residents 65 and older who were experiencing symptoms.
But testing expanded at the Hadley Park site as demand for appointments declined. The city continued to loosen requirements for age and symptoms, until on Tuesday, the city opened testing to any Miamian over the age of 18.
Another testing site at Marlins Park is now open to anyone 18 and older with symptoms, or who simply suspects they have been exposed. When the site first opened in late March, tests were only for people 65 and older with novel coronavirus symptoms.
