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Need A COVID-19 Test? First Register And Make An Appointment

AL DIAZ
/
MIAMI HERALD
COVID-19 testing sites in Florida have been reporting longer lines of cars again, which means they're filling up. Make sure to register and make an appointment before heading out.

State-supported COVID-19 testing sites have been reporting longer lines of cars again, which means they're filling up. That may limit the number of available walk-up tests. You can avoid getting turned away by making an appointment.

If you go to a state or county-funded site, the COVID-19 test won't cost anything, but before you go, set up an account through patientportalfl.com because staff use online testing accounts to send out results.

Rapid antigen test results usually come back on the same day, while PCR or molecular test results take longer — from 48 to 72 hours. You don’t need to have symptoms in order to get a test but if you are asymptomatic, experts say PCR tests are the most reliable.

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All state-supported sites will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Florida Division of Emergency Management also reported the testing site at the Boca Raton Town Center closed Nov. 23, until further notice.

To find more information, visit patientportalfl.com to make your appointment. Bring a government issued ID card, a pen and a full tank of gas for drive-through tests.

Check here for more information here about walk-up and drive-thru testing in all counties, including age requirements, which vary by site.

Monroe County testing sites are available here. Information on testing for individuals who are homebound in Miami-Dade County can be found here. To make an appointment in Palm Beach County, you may call 1-561-642-1000.

And check our roundup for more information on testing sites and availability.

Verónica Zaragovia was born in Cali, Colombia, and grew up in South Florida. She’s been a lifelong WLRN listener and is proud to cover health care, as well as Surfside and Miami Beach politics for the station. Contact Verónica at vzaragovia@wlrnnews.org
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