No ride? Hillsborough plans to make it easier to test for coronavirus

Responding to complaints from low-income residents that they can’t reach COVID-19 test sites, Hillsborough County health officials announced Monday that they’ll expand efforts to reach those who don’t have good transportation options.

If residents call the county’s call center, they can make an appointment for a team to come to their home to administer a test for the coronavirus if they qualify and are truly home bound or have serious transportation issues.

“The goal is to get as many people tested as possible," said county spokeswoman Liana Lopez. “We don’t want there to be any impediments.”

The county will also offer testing at three neighborhood service centers in East Tampa, Ruskin and Plant City to bring testing services closer to residents who might have trouble accessing the site at Raymond James Stadium.

Lopez said mobile testing has been in place since Friday. Residents should call (813) 272-5900 for more information about that option.

The county is still working out the logistics of the neighborhood test sites, but Lopez said these three sites will soon be opened:

• East Tampa: Lee Davis Community Resource Center, 3402 N 22nd St.
• Plant City: Plant City Community Resource Center, 307 N Michigan Ave.
• Ruskin: SouthShore Community Resource Center, 201 14th Ave. SE.

• • •

Tampa Bay Times coronavirus coverage

GET THE DAYSTARTER MORNING UPDATE: Sign up to receive the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 and Tampa Bay, six days a week

UNEMPLOYMENT Q&A: We answer your questions about Florida unemployment benefits

CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCRAPBOOK: Help us tell the story of life under coronavirus

MEET THE HELPERS: Highlighting Tampa Bay’s everyday heroes in this crisis

FOLLOW OUR COVERAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook. Instagram. Twitter. Reddit.

LISTEN TO THE CORONAVIRUS PODCAST: New episodes every week, including interviews with experts and reporters

HAVE A TIP?: Send us confidential news tips

We’re working hard to bring you the latest news on the coronavirus in Florida. This effort takes a lot of resources to gather and update. If you haven’t already subscribed, please consider buying a print or digital subscription.