New COVID-19 testing site to open Thursday in Neptune Beach

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — Families at the beaches will have a new place to get a COVID-19 test for free.

The mayors of Atlantic, Jacksonville and Neptune Beaches along with physicians and staff from Telescope Health held a news conference Tuesday morning to explain details of the operations of the beaches testing site.

The testing site is offering two tests through December of 2020: the COVID-19 oral swab test and the antibody test.

Rebecca Doran has lived in Jacksonville Beach for 10 years. Doran recently found out a new COVID-19 testing site was coming to her community on Thursday.

As a precaution she plans on getting tested. “Just to make sure I’m not dangerous around anybody else and for myself,” Doran said.

The testing site located at 540 Atlantic Boulevard in Neptune Beach. It inside a former gym next to the old Kmart.

When you first walk inside the building, you’re going to have to check in at the desk, protected by the Plexiglas. Then you’ll go to the computers to register, before seeing a lab tech to take a test.

Action News Jax showed you the other city-run Telescope health site which opened on Monday at the Jim Fortuna Senior Center in East Arlington. Both are doing about 150 test per day, adding to the large increase in COVID-19 testing in Duval County.

We asked that all residents take advantage of this free service to the community whether you have symptoms or not, to protect both you and the community around you,” Dr. Matthew Rill, CEO of Telescope Health said.

Last month, several beach bars at Jacksonville Beach were forced to close because of positive COVID-19 cases.

Doran said testing in her community has been long overdue. “It’s a very popular area with a lot of tourist. A lot of young people partying bars, hanging out at the beaches. We should have had it a couple months ago,” Doran said.

Only Duval County residents or city of Jacksonville employees can be tested at this time. You must wear a mask and are asked to bring your own pen. 

This testing site will open Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Only 19 people are allowed inside at one time. The site has created alphabetized time slots to reduce waiting times. 

• 7-8 a.m: High Risk Only*
• 8-10 a.m.: A-E
• 9-11 a.m.: F-J
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: K-O
• 12-2 p.m.: P-T
• 1-3 p.m.: U-Z

“We ask that you come in the time slot that matches the first letter of your last name. If you are unable to come during that time, we will still be happy to test you,” officials said.

You can download the Telescope Health App by clicking here and sign in so you can sit inside your car and wait to be called on.

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COVID-19 testing site The testing site located at 540 Atlantic Boulevard in Neptune Beach is offering two tests through December of 2020: the COVID-19 oral swab test and the antibody test.

News conference: New COVID-19 testing site to open in Neptune Beach News conference: New COVID-19 testing site to open in Neptune Beach

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