JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — LATEST INFORMATION: Where to get a free COVID-19 test in Jacksonville
Original story from 10/14/2020 below:
The COVID-19 testing site at the Regency Square Mall will now offer free rapid testing by using an antigen test.
On average, Regency was testing anywhere from 100 to 200 per day, on Wednesday they tested more than 400.
On Wednesday, the testing site more than doubled its number of people getting tested.
Nomi Health, which took over operations, wasn’t expecting that influx of people, and many had to wait more than an hour to get tested even with an appointment.
To ensure a smoother process, Nomi Health has added more appointment times to their website.
Florida residents can make an appointment at https://testing.nomihealth.com/signup/fl.
For those with an appointment, on Oct. 15, they will be put in an express line to further facilitate testing
This type of test detects certain proteins known as antigens on the surface of the virus and people at the peak of the infection.
Using a nasal swab to get a fluid sample, the antigen test can produce results in just minutes.
Anyone who receives the test at the drive-thru site (9501 Arlington Expressway) will receive their test results within one hour via email or a text message, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Story continues below:
If a person is symptomatic and tests negative to the rapid test, they can opt to do a regular COVID-19 test, however those results will take 24 to 48 hours to process.
The testing is available to anyone 5 years and older and you do not have to show any symptoms.
However, you’ll need to bring a pen, photo ID and wear a face mask.
The site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Read more about antigen testing here.