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Expect long waits Friday at Tropicana Field coronavirus testing site

As the holidays approach, more people are getting tested.
People in their cars make their way through the line at the COVID-19 testing site located at Tropicana Field, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020 in St. Petersburg. The coronavirus testing site is experiencing long wait times Friday morning.
People in their cars make their way through the line at the COVID-19 testing site located at Tropicana Field, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020 in St. Petersburg. The coronavirus testing site is experiencing long wait times Friday morning. [ MARTHA ASENCIO RHINE | Times ]
Published Dec. 18, 2020

The Tropicana Field coronavirus testing site in St. Petersburg is experiencing long wait times Friday morning, according to a Pinellas County news release.

Various sites around the Tampa Bay area have seen increased demand, as people seek to get tested before the holidays. The county sent out a list of other available testing sites across Pinellas.

Related: Getting tested for coronavirus before the holidays? Here’s what you need to know.

A coronavirus test can only tell if someone had the virus on the day they were tested, the county said in its news release. Both rapid tests and PCR tests are available at Tropicana Field. While PCR tests take longer to process, they are generally more accurate than rapid tests.

Tropicana Field’s testing site will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

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