The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota (DOH Sarasota) is scheduled to host a by-appointment COVID-19 drive-thru testing opportunity at the Englewood Sports Complex this Thursday, June 25. DOH Sarasota is prioritizing COVID-19 testing for anyone who is currently experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell) or who works in a health care setting; however, additional slots are available for those without current symptoms seeking a test. To be evaluated and to make an appointment, call (941) 861-2883.

DOH Sarasota will have 100 COVID-19 tests available for this testing opportunity. Appointments are encouraged as demand for testing is high. While these are primarily drive-thru sites, DOH Sarasota can accommodate walk-ups and people on bicycles.

DOH Sarasota also recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (for example, grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. The Florida Department of Health also reminds Floridians that the elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes are more likely to develop serious illness.