Where to get a coronavirus test in the Tampa Bay area – Tampa Bay Times

Coronavirus test sites have opened and closed throughout Tampa Bay over the last several months. Here is an updated list of where you can get tested for the novel coronavirus this fall.

Most are a drive-thru style where people wait in their cars and a medical professional uses a long swab to collect a sample from the patients nose. Many are free, but some do require people provide insurance information or payment after the fact.

Several sites are requiring people to make appointments beforehand. Wait times for results vary, but range from two to 12 days based on the site, laboratory and current demand.

Here are the criteria, hours and protocol for each test site. This information will change depending on the supply of tests and the latest government orders. Providers with an asterisk operate in a number of counties.

Appointments required. The call center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Days vary based on site.

8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., daily.

Monday Friday, 8:30 a.m. 4 p.m.

Location provided once appointment is scheduled

An appointment is required and can be made by calling 727-824-6900. The test is free to patients, regardless of insurance.

5 to 8 p.m., Thursdays. Also on Tuesdays in Pinellas Park.

Appointments are not required, but can be made calling 727-824-8181 and selecting option 0 or visiting http://www.chcpinellas.org

8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Tropicana Field Parking Lot 2, located on the west side of the stadium off 16th Street S, St. Petersburg.

You need not be a Pinellas resident to get tested and no insurance information is necessary. Identification and a phone number will be requested. No appointments are being taken. Testing will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Daily. Hours vary by location.

Testing is available to anyone older than 18, regardless of symptoms, and is free to the public.

The sites typically operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., based on appointments.

CVS offers testing at dozens of its locations throughout Tampa Bay, including in Bradenton, Brandon, Clearwater, Dunedin, Lakeland, Largo, Lutz, Madeira Beach, Oldsmar, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, Tampa and Tarpon Springs. People can choose a location once theyve completed an online screening.

CVS is making testing available to anyone experiencing symptoms who meets the requirements listed on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Patients must first book appointments by visiting CVS.com.

The Tampa Bay stores have the capacity to test up to 50 people a day. All testing will take place inside a persons car. No walk-ups will be accepted and no testing will take place inside stores.

Mornings, Monday through Friday. The Clearwater site is only open Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

A doctors referral is encouraged. If not, you will be screened while in line to see if you meet requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For patients without insurance, the cost of the COVID-19 lab test is $85. Payment is not due at testing. BayCare is working with government agencies to secure funding for patients that are unable to pay.

8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tests are available on a limited basis daily. Other Tampa Bay locations offer screening and testing COVID-19 at their health centers. Find more information at medexpress.com.

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Where to get a coronavirus test in the Tampa Bay area - Tampa Bay Times