Coronavirus testing to expand to underserved communities in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL — People living in underserved communities in the Jacksonville area will have access to coronavirus testing under a partnership with the UF Health and local and state health departments.

Initial efforts will involve a team of 40 to 50 volunteer UF Health medical professionals, including UF Health physicians and nurses and UF medical student volunteers, who will evaluate up to about 2,000 people over the next few weeks.

It begins today and Friday, followed by another wave starting the week of April 13th.  To be eligible, they must be 65 or older or have a UF Health Jacksonville primary care physician. Depending on the severity of their illness, they could potentially be further evaluated on-site or at a UF Health facility or remain home to self-quarantine while awaiting test results.

If they are concerned yet do not have symptoms nor meet standard clinical testing criteria, they will have the opportunity to sign up for a UF research study that enables them to receive testing using a UF-developed COVID-19 test that is currently not FDA-approved, as part of an epidemiological protocol known as community surveillance.

Walk-up or drive-thru community-based screening for residents of The Oaks at Durkeeville and the surrounding area who are 65 or older or have a UF Health Jacksonville primary care physician will be available on a limited basis starting from 9 a.m. to 12 pm today, and 9 a.m. - Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at Emmett Reed Community Center on 6th Street in Jacksonville.

Testing will continue Wednesday through Friday the week of April 13, rotating through the following communities: Brentwood, 761 Village Center Dr.; Hogan Creek, 1320 N. Broad St.; Twin Towers, 617-621 W. 44th St.; and Centennial Towers, 230 E. First St.

Dates and locations are subject to change based on weather and availability of testing materials. Residents can call 904-244-4420 to confirm details.