Tropical Storm Isaias is shifting east. COVID-19 testing may remain open in Manatee
Florida officials are reconsidering their decision to close local COVID-19 testing sites in Manatee County after a favorable shift to the east for Tropical Storm Isaias’ forecast track.
After strengthening overnight, forecasts show the storm traveling through the Hispaniola region before heading to Florida’s East Coast, instead of the Gulf of Mexico as originally expected.
The state expects to make a decision on coronavirus testing around 5 p.m. Thursday
In a presentation to the Manatee Board of County Commissioners Thursday afternoon, Public Safety Director Jake Saur said his department is also declining to request a local state of emergency because of the storm.
“We were going to request a local state of emergency, but with more and more experts agreeing, we believe it’s going to shift to the east and we don’t believe a local state of emergency at this time,” Saur said.
Forecasts expect Isaias to bring heavy rain, possible flooding and wind to the eastern portions of Manatee County Saturday afternoon. The storm made landfall in the Dominican Republic and Haiti Thursday, causing floods and landslides.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Florida Department of Emergency Management had planned to close COVID-19 testing sites throughout the state, including the sites at the Home Dept on Cortez Road, Lincoln Park in Palmetto and the University Town Center Mall in Sarasota.
This is a developing story that will be updated...
