OCALA —A free COVID-19 testing site has opened at First Baptist Church of Ocala to provide additional extended-hours testing opportunities in Marion County
The new testing site is opening in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Marion County, First Baptist Church of Ocala, and Marion County Emergency Management.
“It is partnerships like these that help demonstrate Marion County’s many strengths,” said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “We are grateful for the willingness of First Baptist Church of Ocala to collaborate in protecting the health of the community.”
“First Baptist Church of Ocala loves and has a strong desire to serve this community,” said First Baptist Church of Ocala Executive Pastor Danny Heath. “This pandemic has brought about unprecedented times and it is our desire to assist our neighbors in any way we can. It is to that end we have agreed to partner with the Florida Department of Health in Marion County and Marion County Emergency Management in an effort to provide an additional testing site for the citizens of Marion County. In addition to providing the space for this testing site our church continues to pray for the health and safety of every member of our community.”
Covid Test FL.Org, a COVID-19 mobile clinical testing service, will offer the free drive-through testing beginning Monday, Oct. 11, at First Baptist Church of Ocala, 2801 SE Maricamp Road. Testing will be available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
People who would like to be tested must enter through the church parking lot entrance on SE 30th Ave. To be tested, individuals should bring a valid photo ID; minors under age 18 will only be tested if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
People should be prepared to stay in their vehicles while awaiting testing. Only people who are being tested should be in the vehicle, with the exception of parents, guardians or caregivers. No pets are permitted in the vehicle during tests.
Covid Test FL.Org will provide a diagnostic PCR COVID-19 test, providing results within three days via a text message or email containing a link to results on a web portal. People who do not have access to email can call Covid Test FL.Org at 866-826-8430 for test results. Expedited test results are available for an additional fee.
Drive-through testing also available at Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park
Statlab Mobile, a COVID-19 mobile clinical testing service, is offering free drive-through testing from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday through Thursday at the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park, 11008 South Hwy 475, Ocala. People who would like to be tested must enter through the County Road 475 public entrance.
Individuals should bring a valid photo ID. Minors under age 18 will only be tested if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. People should be prepared to stay in their vehicles while awaiting testing; restroom facilities will not be available. Only people who are being tested should be in the vehicle, with the exception of parents, guardians or caregivers. No pets are permitted in the vehicle during tests.
For more information, call the Department of Health in Marion County at 352-644-2590.
Find out more
Visit http://marion.floridahealth.gov, www.marionflcovid.org and www.twitter.com/flhealthmarion for the latest information on COVID-19 and vaccinations. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov and use the Vaccine Locator and Testing Sites tools to find vaccination and testing sites near you.
