No cost, appointment-free COVID-19 tests coming to Manatee County this weekend 

Local healthcare provider MCR Health is partnering with Manatee County government to offer free drive-thru COVID-19 testing at four locations Saturday.

The testing opportunity is for Manatee County residents only. Participants must present a photo ID and proof of Manatee County residency to qualify.

No appointment or prescription is required, according to Manatee County.

The testing will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the following locations:

▪ East Manatee Health and Wellness Center, 1312 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. 941-708-8700

▪ Southeast Family Healthcare Center, 919 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. 941-751-8100.

▪ Edgar H. Price Children & Family Healthcare Center, 12271 U.S. 301 N., Parrish. 941-776-4050.

▪ AMA Health, 2415 University Pkwy, Bldg. 3, Suite 111, Sarasota. 941-359-3337.

Call MCR Health at 941-776-4000 for more information about the COVID-19 testing.

Other coronavirus testing options

▪ The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County will host a drive-thru testing site next Wednesday through Friday at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Testing is free, but an appointment is required. Call 941-748-0747 to be screened for testing.

▪ Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that a drive-thru testing site operated by the National Guard is scheduled to open early next week at The Mall at University Town Center. It will serve Manatee and Sarasota County residents. Other details about the site have not yet been released.

▪ Testing is also available for Manatee County residents at five MCR Health locations, potentially at a cost to the patient. Residents can call 941-776-400 for more information or visit mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/coronavirus_information.

▪ Ellenton Urgent Care is offering COVID-19 testing by appointment for insured and uninsured patients. Call 941-531-2800 for information.