- April 20, 2024
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AdventHealth health care professionals work to test potential COVID-19 cases at the new testing site at the Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Dr. Timothy Hendrix, medical director at AdventHealth Centra Care, said this alternative method of testing is safer for their teams. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
AdventHealth health care professionals speak with a person waiting to be tested at the new testing site at the Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
AdventHealth health care professionals work to test potential COVID-19 cases at the new testing site at the Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
AdventHealth health care professionals work to test potential COVID-19 cases at the new testing site at the Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
AdventHealth health care professionals work to test potential COVID-19 cases at the new testing site at the Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
AdventHealth health care professionals work to test potential COVID-19 cases at the new testing site at the Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
AdventHealth health care professionals work to test potential COVID-19 cases at the new testing site at the Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Lines of cars wait for testing at the new testing site at the Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
AdventHealth health care professionals work to test potential COVID-19 cases at the new testing site at the Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Mass COVID-19 testing is now underway in Volusia County, as AdventHealth opened a testing site at the Daytona International Speedway on Friday, April 10, with the ability to test 500 people a day.
The tests are available to anyone who meets the criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regardless of insurance. AdventHealth is covering the cost for those who are uninsured. A doctor's order is not required and there is no out-of-pocket costs.
Instead of a nasal swab, AdventHealth is asking those seeking to be tested to cough and spit into a cup. This allows for more people to be tested, said Dr. Timothy Hendrix, medical director at AdventHealth Centra Care. Nasal swabs are in limited supply; the cups are not.
“It’s a lot safer for our teams, so we’re really excited about this — using these cups, as opposed to the nasal swabs," Hendrix said.
Health care professionals hand the cubs to the person inside their vehicle, who then rolls up the window and provides the sample, caps it, and hands it back.
Hendrix also said the lab AdventHealth is working with is also relaying results within 48 hours. For the last three weeks, he's been frustrated with the amount of tests available. By providing mass testing, Hendrix said they'll be able to identify where the COVID-19 outbreaks are in the community to better control the spread.
A test is a powerful thing, he said.
“If [people] can get this test and find out if they have COVID-19, they will stay home,” Hendrix said.
AdventHealth hopes to expand testing locations, but for the moment, the Daytona International Speedway is here to serve both Volusia and Flagler County residents.
Since AdventHealth announced the site's opening on Thursday, April 9, 300 people registered online before arriving at the Daytona International Speedway, said David Ottati, CEO of AdventHealth Central Florida Division. He said it takes a "tremendous amount" of infrastructure to set up a site like this, as well as a lot of people. For one day, he estimated 25-30 people are needed to run the test ssite.
“We want to make sure it’s done well," Ottati said. "I know this is a 30-minute drive from Flagler residents. It’s also a 30-minute drive from West Volusia residents. It’s kind of a central location."
If you wish to be tested, visit AdventHealthCoronaVirusTesting.com to schedule an appointment. Individuals will be asked to enter their contact and insurance information, and will be assigned a time slot.
The Daytona International Speedways is located at 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach. People may access the testing location through the NASCAR Drive entrance at the intersection with One Daytona. The site will be open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You'll remain in your vehicle for the duration of the testing.
