MOORE HAVEN –  The Florida Department of Health in Glades County will provide free COVID-19 testing starting May 20 by appointment only. Residents of Glades County can make an appointment by calling the Glades County Health Department at (863) 946-0707.

Testing will be done at the health department, 1021 Health Park Dr., in Moore Haven on Wednesdays and Fridays only from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

There is no criteria for testing, however, appointments are required and individuals must be at least 18 years old. Testing activities will continue as long as supplies last. Appointments will not be accepted more than one week in advance. Anti-body testing will not be available.

This is a “drive-thru” service. All individuals must stay in their vehicles. At the time of testing, instructions will be given on how to receive test results. Results may take three to five business days. 

Before you decide to make an appointment to be tested for COVID-19, consider the following:

·         Are you ill, or caring for someone who is ill?

·         In the two weeks before you felt sick, did you:

            Have contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19?

·         Do you have any of the following?

            Fever or feeling feverish (chills, sweating)

            Cough            

            Sore throat

            Muscle aches or body aches

            Vomiting or diarrhea

            Change in smell or taste

·         In the last two weeks have you spent time (visited, worked or volunteered) in a hospital, emergency room, clinic, medical office, long-term care facility or nursing home, ambulance service, first responder services, any health care setting or taken care of patients or someone who has been sick?

·         Do you have any of the following conditions?

Chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, or smoking

Serious heart conditions

Weakened immune system (cancer treatment, prolonged use of steroids,   transplant or HIV/AIDS)

Severe obesity (Body Mass Index [BMI] greater than or equal to 40)

Underlying conditions (diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease)

Please stop the spread of COVID-19:

·         If you have been tested for COVID-19, please stay at home until you receive your test results.

·         Follow social distancing, even when you are at home and especially if someone in your home is sick

·         Stay at home if you are sick, or if you have been around someone who has been sick.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

·         Cover your coughs and sneezes; cough or sneeze into a tissue not in your hands.

·         Cover your face with a cloth face covering when you are in public or around others.

·         Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces

·         Avoid travel to higher risk areas (areas known to have high numbers of cases)