COVID-19 testing site at Lee County Sports Complex shutting down this week

The COVID-19 testing site at the Lee County Sports Complex will be shutting down this week as the stadium, formerly known as CenturyLink, prepares for spring training.

While it’s unclear if spring training will happen because of the lockout, the complex wants to be prepared.

The last day to get tested there is on Saturday.

Jay Nemia said he is not surprised the testing site is closing.

“We’ve had several tests done over the last few months and the last couple of times we were here there was hardly anyone,”  Nemia said.

Meanwhile, for others, the closure will have to bring adjustments.

When Melina Pesinger needs a COVID-19 test, she swings by the testing site during her lunch break.

“It’s the closest one to work,” she said. “I can make an appointment because I can make an appointment 15 minutes ago and stop here.”

For Roseanne Silva, it’s just a 10-minute drive.

“This is a great location because you can just drive in and out,”  Silva said.

The demand for testing is down because the omicron surge is fading.

But regardless, the change will be an inconvenience for some.

“I think it’s putting the spring training abroad of the health needs right now,” Silva said.

Because the Sports Complex site is closing, the testing site at the Florida Department of Health in Lee County is expanding testing hours, including on the weekend.

The drive-thru site is located at 3920 Michigan Ave. in Fort Myers.

The site will add weekend hours beginning this Sunday and will expand weekday testing.

The site will offer testing on the weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To schedule an appointment there, visit the link. For more information, call 904-295-0562.

Additional testing options include:

• The U.S. Postal Service program to mail at-home testing kits directly to those who request the tests. Up to four tests per household can be requested and will be mailed directly to your home at no cost. To sign up to receive the at-home kits visit https://special.usps.com/testkits.
• Pharmacies, private physician offices, laboratories and public testing sites countywide. Testing resources can be found at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/testing-sites/.
• At-home testing kits available for purchase online and in retail pharmacies.