The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH Sarasota) has scheduled two by-appointment COVID-19 testing events in Sarasota County Wednesday, Aug. 5 and Thursday, Aug. 6. DOH Sarasota will have 100 COVID-19 tests available per day; appointments are required as demand for testing is high.

The health department is prioritizing 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, recent loss of taste or smell) or who works in a health care setting. To be evaluated and to make an appointment, call (941) 861-2883 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Today's (Wednesday, Aug. 5) testing event will take place between 8 a.m. and noon at Laurel Park, 509 Collins Road, Laurel

The Thursday, Aug. 6, testing event will take place between 8 a.m. and noon on Spring Haven Drive, between Heron Creek Middle School and Butler Park, in North Port. While these are primarily drive-thru sites, DOH Sarasota can accommodate walkers and people on bicycles.
 
Additionally, the following state-run COVID-19 testing sites have been established for anyone regardless of symptoms, with no appointment necessary:

Robert L. Taylor Community Center walk-up testing site, located at 1845 34th St. Sarasota, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, or until capacity is reached.

The Mall at University Town Center drive-through testing site, located at 299 University Town Center Drive Sarasota, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, or until capacity is reached.

Publix at Port Charlotte Crossing, located at 4265 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,or until capacity is reached.