Jacksonville area sites see surge in demand for COVID-19 tests; here are resources to save you time

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. — Now that we’re through our Christmas wish lists, we’re back to our to-do list, and getting a COVID-19 test has proven to be number one priority for a lot of people on Monday.

But that’s causing slowdowns at testing sites.

One of those affected was the Telescope Health Site in Neptune Beach at 450 Atlantic Blvd., the site of the old K-Mart.

Staff had to turn away between 70-100 cars so they could do more than 200 tests and reach the cars already in line.

“We came around the corner and the line seemed to be a mile long,” said Ty Smith, who made it his priority to arrive before the site opened at 7 a.m.

“Just as a precaution, we saw family over the weekend so we just wanted to make sure,” Smith explained.

It took him about two-and-a-half hours to get his test.

“It went very smooth, very painless,” he said of the experience.

Even smoother because he got tested before the sheer volume of people forced staff to close the line for about two hours.

“Glad we jumped on it first thing in the morning,” he pointed out. “[Because] we see people coming in, getting turned away.”

Among those getting turned away: Mark and Sherrie Calahan.

“Probably go have some breakfast and try it again,” Mark Calahan said.

Since they’re off Monday, they weren’t giving up.

“We stood in line for the shopping so why can’t we stand in line for COVID [testing]?” Mark Calahan said.

“We’re gonna do what it takes to make sure our family is safe,” Sherrie Calahan said.

But if you want to save some time, Smith suggests: “Just get it done. First thing in the morning.”

This site will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday. Pre-registering helps save time too. Also remember, since this site is city funded it follows city holidays, so it’s closed on Friday for New Year’s Eve.

You can find more resources on where to get tested here: JaxReady.com. We also have a list of testing sites here: https://t.co/5nCcXICwYF

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