In-Home Coronavirus Testing Begins In Miami-Dade County

MIAMI, FL— Recognizing that not everyone can take advantage of the drive-thru coronavirus testing sites, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue on Tuesday launched an in-home testing program.

Lt. Kirsten Miller of the agency said home testing is by appointment only and available solely to senior citizens with symptoms of the new coronavirus or people 18 and older with disabilities who have symptoms.

"Of course it was the first day, but it went well," Miller shared with Patch. "We won't make more appointments than we can fulfill."

While home testing is performed by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel, Miller said other services won't suffer as a result.

"We didn't take them out of the firehouse to do this," she said. "This is personnel that are specifically assigned to do this."

All of the eligible people for home testing are homebound and cannot travel to drive-thru testing sites for whatever reason.

"In order to carry out the daily at-home COVID-19 testing, several Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units have been placed in service strategically around Miami-Dade County," according to the agency. "These testing units will conduct the daily scheduled appointments each day."

The home testing is being offered through a partnership with Jackson Memorial Hospital and University of Miami Health System.

To schedule an appointment, call 305-499-8767 starting at 9 a.m. each day.

"Only individuals who have been previously scheduled for an appointment will be tested," the agency said.