By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
DELAND, Fla. -- The COVID-19 testing site at the Volusia County Fairgrounds will be conducting both viral and antibody testing Sunday.
"Individuals getting antibody testing will be required to get the COVID nasal swab first," Kevin Captain, community information director fore Volusia County, told Headline Surfer.
"Individuals getting antibody testing will be required to get the COVID nasal swab first," Kevin Captain, community information director fore Volusia County, told Headline Surfer.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management began COVID-19 testing on Friday at the fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave. Testing will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Tuesdays and an appointment is recommended to save time. There is no testing on Wednesdays.
The drive-up site provides both viral and antibody testing.
Viral testing uses a self-administered nasal swab test that allows you to swab your own nose while in your vehicle, supervised by trained medical professionals. No symptoms are required to receive a viral test. Test results are expected in 2 to 5 days. Testing is free and available for individuals five years of age and older. Adults 18 years and older are required to provide a picture identification. Child consent forms are required to be filled out for those between five years old and 17 years old.
Antibody testing requires a blood draw. Test results are available in 30 minutes. Testing is free and available for individuals 18 years of age and older with photo ID. Only 200 antibody tests are available each day.
Appointments for viral testing are recommended and can be made online at www.doineedacovid19test.com/. Individuals must print and bring their test voucher and a picture ID with them on the day of their test. Individuals who do not make an appointment in advance can register on site via their own personal smart device. Public access computers are available free of charge at Volusia County public libraries for cardholders.
“We are appreciative that the State of Florida responded to our request for an expedited testing site in Volusia County,” said Volusia County Chair and Volusia League of Cities member Ed Kelley.
“Accurate and timely test results are imperative to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure the safety of residents and visitors," Kelley continued, adding, "We’re confident that this test site will play an important factor in making that happen and are grateful to the Florida Division of Emergency Management for their quick action to establish the site.”
The site is expected to operate for up to 4 weeks, pending demand.
Volusia County COVID-19 stats
The Florida Health Department reported 204 new coronavirus deaths on Saturday, bringing the total number of COVID-19 fatalities so far to 9,345.
The FHD also reported 6,352 new coronavirus cases Saturday, bringing the total to date to 569,667.
Volusia County's Health Department reported a dozen deaths Saturday, bringing the county's death toll overall to 163. Likewise, 95 new coronavirus cases were reported in Volusia County, bringing the overall figure to 8,402 positive incidents of coronavirus.
Henry Frederick is publisher of Headline Surfer, the award-winning 24/7 internet news outlet launched 12 years ago that serves greater Daytona Beach, Sanford & Orlando, Florida via HeadlineSurfer.com. Frederick has amassed more than a hundred journalism industry awards in print & online -- more than all other members of the working press combined in Central Florida since the mid-1990s. He earned his Master of Arts in New Media Journalism with academic honors from Full Sail University in 2019. Having witnessed the execution of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Florida's death chamber and other high profile cases, Frederick has appeared on national crime documentary programs on Discovery ID and Reelz for his investigative reporting and cops & courts breaking news stories.