Testing now open to all; response strong

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  • A health official directs traffic during a drive-thru covid-19 testing event Tuesday morning at Wilson Park by Lake DeSoto. CENTER: Workers from the Florida Department of Health suit up to begin testing. (CARL MCKINNEY/Lake City Reporter)
    A health official directs traffic during a drive-thru covid-19 testing event Tuesday morning at Wilson Park by Lake DeSoto. CENTER: Workers from the Florida Department of Health suit up to begin testing. (CARL MCKINNEY/Lake City Reporter)
  • Workers from the Florida Department of Health suit up to begin testing.  (CARL MCKINNEY/Lake City Reporter)
    Workers from the Florida Department of Health suit up to begin testing. (CARL MCKINNEY/Lake City Reporter)
  • Traffic stretches from Wilson Park almost to the courthouse, marking the first time tests have been available to all. (CARL MCKINNEY/Lake City Reporter)
    Traffic stretches from Wilson Park almost to the courthouse, marking the first time tests have been available to all. (CARL MCKINNEY/Lake City Reporter)
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Let the history books reflect that a traffic jam was a welcome sight for a change on Tuesday morning.  

Around 9 a.m., health officials began conducting drive-thru covid-19 tests at Wilson Park by Lake DeSoto. Not long after, a line of cars formed that stretched almost to the Columbia County Courthouse. 

The event, which ran from 9 a.m. to noon,  marked an unprecedented access to testing in the Lake City area. No signs, symptoms or appointments were necessary, according to the Florida Department of Health in Columbia County. 

Health officials were able to test 140 people, said Thomas Moffses, director of the DOH offices in Columbia and Hamilton counties. More drive-thru testing events are scheduled this month. 

“We were encouraged to see the Columbia County participation and we look forward to Hamilton County residents and Fort White residents taking advantage of this opportunity,” Moffses said. 

Fifty-five people were tested Monday at a drive-thru event in Hamilton County, Moffses said. 

Other events are scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon Thursday at Fort White Community Center off Highway 47, and at the same time on Friday at Wilson Park in downtown Lake City, 232 NE Hillsboro St. 

In Hamilton County, a drive-thru testing event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon today at Cunningham Park in Jennings, 981 Berry St. Extension, and the same hours Saturday at White Springs Clinic, 16811 Springs St. 

Additional drive-thru events are planned for the following week.