With the COVID-19 virus still on the rise, it remains imperative that citizens of Miami-Dade County have knowledge on the numerous COVID-19 testing sites available to them. From the week of Oct. 23 to Nov. 5, Miami-Dade recorded a total of 10, 231 cases. According to the New York Times, an average of 100,991 have been reported every day — a 57% increase from the last two weeks. 

Miami-Dade provides complimentary testing at various locations, a service that the county encourages people to use. 

According to the Miami-Dade County website, there stands a total of 19 possible sites one may visit. Seven of them function as drive-thrus, and the others, walk-ups. The sites open from 8 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. every day. One can either make an appointment online, which allows for a speedier appointment, or show up at the testing location and wait a little while longer. The sites recommend making an online appointment to receive top priority. 

When making an appointment, one may inform the site whether they are asymptomatic or symptomatic. This works as a safety measure; it lets the staff separate those with symptoms from those without. The online appointment-scheduler allows patients to select a number of symptoms they may have experienced to estimate the severity of the possible case. 

The sites offer a mouth swab test to anyone over the age of five. One can take the standard molecular test or the rapid antigen test, with the latter providing results within an hour. Patients may also take an antibody test if they wish to see if they have previously had COVID-19. 

“I’ve done the mouth swab test and it was not scary at all. Although I rarely go out, I have gotten tested quite a few times just to make sure I do not pose a threat to my at-risk family. I think it is really important for people who go out a lot, work in a public area and even attend physical school, to get tested as often as they can.” Miami Palmetto Senior High school senior Violeta Gonzalez said.

The patient will receive their results after two or three days. Quarantining remains crucial for those who test positive. Staying healthy and keeping others healthy should be everybody’s top priority during times like these.