Changes coming to help with wait times at COVID-19 testing sites

Long lines of people and cars have been seen at COVID-19 testing sites across the country, and here in Southwest Florida at sites like CenturyLink. Currently, there aren’t any appointments available until Tuesday. But a solution to the long wait times may be in sight.

Black Friday did see crowds but not at the retails stores. There were long lines at COVID-19 testing sites like CenturyLink. Izzy Martine got tested at CenturyLink.

“I’m getting tested because I’m heading back home on Monday, and this is part of the requirements that I need to do in order to get back into the state,” said Martine.

People were waiting at this site for about an hour, but Martine, who is from New York, says this is a sign that people are taking the virus seriously.

“Considering what we’re going through, this is probably the correct protocol just for public safety,” Martien said.

Delays in testing are not only showing up in person but they’re happening online as well. If you’re trying to head to the website to schedule a test, they may not have any available until Monday.

Curative, the company that runs the testing program at CenturyLink stressed that no timeslots aren’t a problem since walk-ins are never turned away.

To help with the holiday rush, Curative brought in two new testing pods bringing the number of windows at CenturyLink up to 12. They believe that will help speed up the lines and make it easier to get an appointment.

“The more the merrier, I guess, right? Keep the line moving,” said Martine.

That means quicker results.

If waiting in that line isn’t your speed, the FDA says your best bet is to get tested by your primary care provider. And, you can always try to pay for tests at retail pharmacies or order them online.