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Day one of drive-thru COVID-19 testing at FITTEAM

March 31, 2020 | James Torrez, WPEC CBS12 News

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Tuesday marked the first day residents of Palm Beach County could drive-thru a high volume COVID-19 testing center at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the opening of the center to be help alleviate the demand for tests in the county. Consistently, Palm Beach ranks third in the state for the most confirmed cases of coronavirus, behind Miami-Dade and Broward.

The tests are done by clinicians from the HealthCare District of Palm Beach County. They expected to test close to 1,000 patients Tuesday morning.

“We were both out of the country and I’ve got the symptoms,” said one man, before getting a test done with his wife. He asked CBS12 News not to be identified.

Representatives of the HealthCare District say they received more than 300,000 phone calls for tests; they’re already booked for the remainder of the week.

Those looking to set an appointment should call 561-642-1000, though do not expect to set a time anytime soon. Workers are asking for patience, as they are experiencing high call volumes.

The HealthCare District of Palm Beach County will provide a summary of their first day of testing Tuesday afternoon. CBS12 News will post updates.

 

WPEC CBS12 News