Drive-thru testing opens Wednesday at Orange County Convention Center for 65 and older, first responders

A drive-thru testing site is opening at the Orange County Convention Center. The drive-thru testing began at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A drive-thru testing site opened Wednesday at the Orange County Convention Center.

A news release said testing is available for individuals who are 65 years or older who have COVID-19 symptoms and first responders and healthcare workers.

Health officials said those 65 and older must have an on-site temperature of 99.6 or higher and respiratory symptoms.

They must also bring a valid ID.

First responders (firefighters, law enforcement/corrections and medical staff with a valid agency ID) do not have to have symptoms to be tested.

The test site is drive-thru only and will be limited to 250 tests per day, according to the release.

Health officials say clients will be pre-screened, then civilian nurses will conduct additional screening to determine eligibility for testing.

Those who meet the criteria will then be directed to the testing area.

National Guard medics will be administering specimen collection, which involves swabbing the nasal cavity, and packaging, the news release said.

Those tested will be given instructions on how to receive their results.

On Monday, 75 people were turned away from the testing site as they did not meet the criteria for testing. 197 people ended up being screened, meaning they had their temperature taken. 187 of those were actually swabbed.

The testing site is located at the North Concourse parking lot at the Orange County Convention Center, located at 9400 Universal Blvd. in Orlando.