TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida A&M University -Bond Community Health Center COVID-19 Testing Bragg Memorial Stadium Site will remain open as authorities try to stop the spread of coronavirus in Leon County.
“Our testing has been steady. With the reopening of the state, it is imperative that testing continues throughout Florida,” said Cynthia Harris, Ph.D., director of the FAMU Institute of Public Health. “The Bragg Memorial site wants to still provide this service for the community.”
Organizers say since it first opened on April 25, the walk-up location has taken samples from more than 9,500 people. Prior to this announcement, operations had been scheduled through June 15.
The site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless closed due to inclement weather. Testing is free and no physician referral is required.
Residents can also schedule an appointment by calling the Leon County Health Department at 850-404-6399.
To encourage those without cars to get tested, StarMetro, the area public transport, will provide free rides to anyone who says they are heading to the Bragg Memorial Stadium site on Saturday, June 13.
To ride free on a StarMetro fixed route, as you board, simply tell the coach operator you are headed to or returning from the FAMU testing site.
All riders are encouraged to wear a mask on the bus. To ensure riders can properly distance themselves, bus capacity is limited to 15 people.
The site is being operated with support from the Florida Department of Health, the Leon County Health Department and the state Division of Emergency Management.
In addition, local businesses and civic organizations have also contributed funding and supplies to keep the site open and volunteers fed.
“It is vital that this site remains open,” said Dr. Temple Robinson, CEO of Bond Community Health Center, a partner in operating the site. “There are so many people we have yet to reach in the Tallahassee area who need to be tested.”
