Coronavirus tests will soon be available near Orlando's black communities

West Orlando and Pine Hills residents will soon be able to get coronavirus tests close to home.

Starting next week (4/20), the Florida Department of Health in conjunction with Orange County government, will offer coronavirus testing at Camping World Stadium and at Barnett Park, next to the Central Florida Fairgrounds on West Colonial Drive.

Testing at the Convention Center

Until now, the only testing site open to the general public was at the Orange County Convention Center, many miles from Orlando’s historically black communities. We reported on that concern and launched a petition drive last week.

Making testing close to the black communities is especially important because data from around the country shows that the coronavirus was disproportionately sickening and killing black people. The shocking number of deaths in the black community is due structural racism; chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables; pollution and poverty.

The tests are available to anyone who is 18 and older and they are free. However, you must make an appointment to get tested by calling 407-723-5004. No walk-ups will be accepted because the county only has a limited number of tests.

Putting a testing site at Camping World Stadium was a good move because it will also make it easy for people who live in other downtown neighborhoods east of Interstate 4 to get tested too.

One of the problems with the site at the Convention Center is that folks had to in a car to be tested. At Camping World Stadium people can drive, catch a bus, ride a bike or even walk there.

Don’t forget to make an appointment by calling 407-723-5004.

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