COVID testing staying at Bradenton Convention Center as demand jumps more than 300%
With the omicron variant of the coronavirus causing a surge in cases and demand for testing jumping more than 300%, the COVID-19 testing site at the Bradenton Area Convention Center will not be relocated as previously announced.
The site was scheduled to shut down at the convention center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, at the end of the day on New Year’s Eve and reopen in downtown Bradenton on Monday, Jan. 3. Manatee County government had asked the testing vendor to relocate ahead of construction of the incoming hotel.
But on Tuesday morning, Manatee County government announced that the site will remain at the convention center for now. The decision was prompted by the explosion in demand for testing amid the record-breaking surge of new covid cases.
Daily testing totals at the convention center during the last week have increased about 307% compared with a month ago.
In the last seven days, there have been a total of 9,386 COVID-19 tests given, including rapid and PCR tests, performed during the seven-day period that included Christmas Day, when the site was closed.
A month ago, there were 1,999 tests performed at the site during the seven-day period that included Thanksgiving Day, when the site was also closed.
On Tuesday, demand remained high with people lining up to get tested.
The walk-up site offers rapid tests and PCR tests, upon request. Testing is free and does not require an appointment but a government-issued ID is required.
Updated holiday hours are as follows:
- New Year’s Eve: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- New Year’s Day: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This story was originally published December 28, 2021 at 2:53 PM.
