TAMPA, Fla. — As the Delta variant continues to spread more people are wanting to get tested again.

The lines and wait times across the Bay area have been pretty long in some areas.

Starting Monday in Tampa, free testing locations have been set up at Al Lopez Park, located at 4602 N. Himes Ave and Al Barnes Park, located at 3101 E 21st Ave.

Both will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 


What You Need To Know


A few months ago, testing sites were shutting down as COVID cases dropped. But with the spread of the variant, crowded testing sites are the reality again.

Last Wednesday, the city of Tampa opened a walk-up COVID testing site at Al Lopez Park. Now it is converting to a drive through site so it can handle more people.

Signs are back up on nearby roads marking the entrance to the testing site at the park.

The positivity rate for those being tested in Hillsborough County as of last week was just above 23 percent.

Additional testing at Al Barnes Park 

Due to high demand for COVID-19 testing, the City of Tampa is opening an additional drive thru testing site at Al Barnes Park.

Both PCR and Rapid Antigen tests are available. No appointment required.

The following COVID-19 testing sites are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

- Cordelia B Hunt Center at Al Lopez Park (4602 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614)

| Pre-register: https://mdc.nomihealth.com/signup/fl/COT

- Al Barnes Park (3101 E 21st Ave Parking Lot). Pre-register:

https://www.impacthealth.com/cityoftampa/

These sites are open to the public and free of charge to residents.

Individuals without insurance can also receive free testing. Walk up and drive thru testing is available. Face masks are required except during the few moments for the nasal swab.

Who Should Get Tested

Get tested if you have had close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 or if you are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms such as:

- Fever or chills

- Cough

- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

- Fatigue

- Muscle or body aches

- Headache

- New loss of taste or smell

- Sore throat

- Congestion or runny nose

- Nausea or vomiting

- Diarrhea

In addition to the public testing sites, free COVID-19 testing is available at many neighborhood pharmacies, clinics, and area hospitals. Over the counter at-home rapid tests are also available for sale at local pharmacies. To learn more about COVID-19 testing, visit:

www.tampa.gov/emergency-management/COVID-19/get-tested