WFLA

New Tampa COVID test site to open this week amid high demand

Brittany Muller

As things get back to normal after the holiday, COVID-19 remains a major concern.

The CDC reported 254,814 new cases in Florida last week, with a positivity rate of more than 20%. According to Hillsborough County’s dashboard, cases in the county are up 174% from the previous week.

“This is a highly contagious COVID variant hitting our community, and it’s important for all of us to take personal responsibility and take precautions to protect ourselves, family members, colleagues, and neighbors,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “Vaccinations and boosters are the best protection from serious illness.” 

With the Omicron variant spreading fast, and cases hitting record highs, there’s an overwhelming need for tests in Tampa Bay. People in the area say they’re still having a hard time finding one. Others say they wanted hours in line to get tested. Some say they had previously tested positive and need a negative test to get back to work. Others just want peace of mind.

In response to the high demand for tests, the City of Tampa is opening a new drive-through testing site on Tuesday:

The city has reopened its COVID-19 testing site at Al Lopez Park in West Tampa.

Those getting tested will enter on the North side of Al Lopez Park, pull into the parking lot and then walk up to the HUNT center to complete the test. 

Hillsborough County has two sites open for testing on Monday. Both sites are open daily.