The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) will host a drive-thru specimen collection opportunity for COVID-19 testing this week.
The drive-thru will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day Wednesday (4/29) thru Friday (5/1) at the Bradenton Area Convention Center (1 Haben Boulevard in Palmetto).
When making an appointment for the drive-thru, participants should obtain a prescription from a health care provider beforehand or meet the criteria (symptomatic or high risk) during the assessment when they call to make the appointment.
Specimen collection is at no cost.
DOH Manatee plans to schedule up to 80 drive-thru participants each of the three days.
To make an appointment, call (941) 748-0747.
Anyone who arrives at the drive-thru must:
· Be in a vehicle (no walk-ups will be seen),
· Remain in their vehicle at all times,
· Present a photo ID with name that matches the name on the appointment and
· Produce proof of Manatee residency (driver’s license, utility bill, etc.).
Anyone in Manatee County who believes they may have COVID-19 should call the Manatee Health Line at (941) 242-6649 BEFORE calling 9-1-1 or visiting a hospital emergency room.
For general information, call the DOH COVID-19 Hotline at (866) 779-6121 or visit floridahealthcovid19.gov.