MANATEE COUNTY – In the midst of the COVID surge across the Suncoast, a A COVID-19 testing site re-opened this week in Manatee County.
The COVID-19 testing site at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto reopened this week, offering both rapid and PCR tests for free.
“From 7 am to 7 PM everyday Monday through Sunday, no appointment necessary,” said Communications Director for the Manatee County Department of Health, Christopher Tittle.
The Department of health is strongly encouraging everyone to get tested.
“Also to get vaccinated, we’re still running our site over at Palmetto at the Palmetto Bus station, 1802 8th avenue I believe it is, from 9 am to 4pm Monday through Friday, you can get tested and vaccinated there,” said Tittle.
Officials recommend anyone in line to come prepared
“Bring an umbrella, maybe something to sit on, they’re offering cold water for folks because it can get a little warm out here, wait times can be anywhere from 45 min to an hour,” said Tittle.
One Manatee County resident says she hopes the layout of the site will be upgraded soon
“I think that if this was just a little bit friendlier to anyone that’s waiting in line that would be fantastic, I can see there are some people waiting in chairs, lawn chairs,” said Manatee County Resident, Sara Anderson.
Anderson says the location was not too far from her home
“It seems to be a nice central location, so I think it’s a good testing site,” said Anderson.
“Between scheduling their lives, between going to work and having kids, and going to the grocery store, and doing everything they need we just want to make sure they have a place where they can stop along the way and get tested,” said Tittle.
For more information on COVID 19 testing in Manatee County, you can visit their COVID-19 information website here.
