Florida ramps up coronavirus testing with “walk-up” sites

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says his state is almost “neck and neck” with California in terms of Covid-19 testing.

At today’s press conference in Fort Lauderdale, DeSantis announced the opening of two walk-up testing centers in Broward County.

The sites will be operated with the help of the National Guard, the Florida Department of Health and Broward Sheriff’s Office and will only test those with symptoms. DeSantis said these testing sites will be help the underserved communities who might not have access to drive-thru locations.

DeSantis said that 43% of hospital beds are currently empty statewide. As of 8 p.m. ET Thursday, there were 774 Covid-19 patients in the ICU statewide, the lowest number since April 9, according to DeSantis.

CNN