First COVID-19 walk-up testing site in Miami-Dade will open on Tuesday

DORAL, FL – On Tuesday, the first COVID-19 walk-up testing site in the county will open for anyone who doesn’t have a car. 

Residents with symptoms of the novel coronavirus or who believes they’ve been in contact with someone sick regardless of their symptoms or lack there of, is eligible for an appointment at Holy Family Catholic Church in North Miami. 

In this particular walk-up testing site, age doesn’t count at has been the case with other COVID-19 testing sites that have favored seniors or people over 18 years of age. 

Those interested in getting tested, can make an appointment starting Monday, April 27, at 305-499-8767 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday thru Saturday.

The appointment line will remain open until all appointments for the next day have been filled. This site will take appointments up to 72 hours in advance. For now, daily testing is available at this site for 150 people.

But according to Miami-Dade County Mayor, Carlos Gimenez, this won’t be the only testing site in the county aimed at people who lack a car.

“We’re also looking to expand walk-up testing sites at other county locations for those folks who don’t have a car,” Gimenez said.

The decision was made in order to expand testing services to the poorest residents of the county, many of which don’t have a way of moving around other than taking public transportation. This fact alone positions them in a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19. 

Up until now, Miami-Dade County has opened 14 drive-thru testing sites, because they are considered to be safe and efficient for elderly people or those with special needs that are more vulnerable to the virus. 

In recent days, the county also offered access to testing to homebound residents that for a wide range of circumstances can’t leave home.

Now, the new walk-up testing site will be operated to expand testing services to all residents. According to the Miami Herald, members of the Florida National Guard will help operate the site to ensure it’s safe.