State-run COVID-19 testing extended through January

Posted On: November 20, 2020

Thanks to the state and the City of New Smyrna Beach, COVID-19 testing provided by the Florida Division of Emergency Management will continue through Jan. 31. The site, located at the City Gym, 1000 Live Oak St., New Smyrna Beach, was initially scheduled to close at the end of the month.

“We’re just so thankful for the coordination and support from both the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the City of New Smyrna Beach,” said Emergency Management Director Jim Judge. “The site is easy to navigate and results are being delivered quickly, which makes for a positive user experience. And we can tell by the number of tests administered that the site is effective and being utilized by our residents.”

The test site offers both self-swab rapid antigen and PCR testing and operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Results for rapid testing are expected within 15 minutes. The site will close Nov. 26 and 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday, Dec. 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday, and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

There is no age requirement for testing. Insurance information is requested from insured individuals, but patients will not be billed any copay or coinsurance, and those without insurance will be tested free of charge. Appointments are not required, but can be made to facilitate a faster experience by visiting bit.ly/C19rapidtest. No symptoms are required for testing.

Both PCR and rapid testing are self-swab nasal tests and, while slightly uncomfortable, are not painful. The swab is placed in the nostril, not the back of the nasal passage as in other tests.

For more information on COVID-19 testing throughout the county, visit Volusia.org/testing.