City of Fort Pierce Offers Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing

In an effort to meet the needs of the community, the City of Fort Pierce, in partnership with St. Lucie County, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and the Florida Department of Health is offering free drive-thru COVID-19 testing at two locations Sunday, October 25^th and Monday, October 26^th in Fort Pierce.

The free drive-thru COVID-19 testing is provided by the Florida COVID-19 Mobile Testing Lab and will begin Sunday, October 25^th at Percy Peek Gymnasium and Monday, October 26 at Ilous Ellis Park from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM to combat the spread of COVID-19. Nurses will conduct a nasal swab (PCR test) from outside the vehicle. No appointment or registration necessary, walkups are welcome. Nurses on staff are fluent in Spanish and Creole.
Please bring a photo ID and follow the CDC Guidelines by using a facial covering when driving up to be tested.

Testing Locations & Times:
From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM – Sunday, October 25 2020 at Percy Peek Gymnasium, 2902 Avenue D.
From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM  – Monday, October 26 2020 at Ilous Ellis Park parking lot, 1211 Avenue M.

The City of Fort Pierce is proud to be able to provide this service in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, Florida Division of Emergency Management Florida Department of Health St. Lucie County.

For additional information about testing, please call 772.465.4170

Information On Getting Tested

Those with the associated risk factors and symptoms of COVID-19 may be eligible to be tested. Coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Risk factors consist of close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case, travel to or from a Coronavirus affected area, recent history of international travel, age 65+ with chronic conditions and a weakened immune system. If you believe you have symptoms you should immediately contact your healthcare provider.

St. Lucie Medical Reserve Corps Seeks Volunteers

St. Lucie County is looking to build a reserve of qualified medical professionals to deal with an increase in COVID-19 cases if the need arises. The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County operates a Medical Reserve Corp that can be activated in emergencies such as the pandemic that is impacting Florida and the rest of the world. Any licensed healthcare professional who is willing to volunteer in the event there is a need for additional doctors, nurses, EMTs and other healthcare experts are encouraged to register at https://www.flhealthresponse.com/mrcvolunteer. Under Florida Statue 110 law, sovereign immunity is provided to volunteers. State Statue 768.28 is the Sovereign Immunity Law and 768.1355 is the Volunteer Protection Act which allows licensed professionals to volunteer, and have their licenses  protected. Every medical professional that registers will be vetted by the Florida Department of Health before being activated.

Additional Resources

You may find these additional resources helpful:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  This website gives updates on the coronavirus in the United States, gives best practices for prevention and treatment and offers background information on the virus.
• The World Health Organization
  This website gives information on the global status of the spread and response to coronavirus.
• The State Department
  This website offers resources and background on the coronavirus, specifically in China. For those considering travelling abroad, please review the State Department’s list of travel advisories.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs
  This website offers guidance for veterans and information about the VA’s response to COVID-19. Veterans going to the VA should be advised that they need to arrive early, due to screening procedures.
• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
  This website has resources for Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP coverage of coronavirus, including waivers and frequently asked questions.
• Florida Department of Health
  #COVID19 Call Center: 866-779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov
• St. Lucie County Department of Health:
  772-462-3800 or http://stlucie.floridahealth.gov/
• City of Port St. Lucie:
  772-871-1775 (1PSL) or www.cityofpsl.com
• City of Fort Pierce:
  772-467-3000 or https://www.cityoffortpierce.com/
• UF/IFAS Extension:
  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_covid19

Need Healthcare? HANDS of St. Lucie County may be able to help!

If you are 18-64 and financially qualify, you may have access to free primary healthcare.

To get started, you will need:

• Current Driver’s License or Photo ID
• Social Security Card
• Proof of St. Lucie County Residency
• Proof of Income or Letter Of Support

In addition, if you have your 2019 tax returns or a recent Medicaid Denial Letter please bring them. But due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we would like to try to help you even without these documents. We are here for you.Call the number below for help and to set your appointment with a Patient Navigator. We are here for you.

HANDS of St. Lucie County
A Volunteers in Medicine Affiliate
3855 South US 1, Suite B
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
(772) 462-5646