CDC Reports 17.7 Percent Increase In COVID-19 In Pasco County

PASCO COUNTY, FL — With a 17.7 percent increase in coronavirus rates in Pasco County during the past seven days, the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County has reopened its testing site at Gulfview Square Mall in Port Richey.

According to the CDC Data Tracker, there were 3,406 new positive cases of coronavirus in Pasco County from Aug. 4 to 11, with 10 deaths.

Of those who tested positive for the coronavirus, 368 were admitted to the hospital in the past seven days, a 26.46 percent increase, with 33 of those patients placed in intensive care units.

Despite the rise in coronavirus cases due to the introduction of the delta variant, testing in Pasco County is down 39.46 percent.

To make it as easy as possible for residents to get tested, the DOH-Pasco has partnered with Nomi Health to provide drive-thru COVID-19 testing site in the space on the south end of the mall formerly occupied by Sears Auto Center, 9409 U.S. 19.

Testing at this site is currently available seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"Testing is a key strategy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19," said health officer Mike Napier. "With increasing positive cases, symptomatic individuals need to get tested as soon as possible to avoid further exposures. DOH-Pasco has contracted with Nomi Health, a COVID-19 testing and vaccination provider, to offer testing in support of the higher demand for testing by local pharmacies and health care providers."

Appointments are not required, but they are recommended to avoid wait times. To make an appointment, click here.

Only people who are being tested should be in the vehicle, except for parents, guardians or caregivers who are driving people to the site. People should be prepared to stay in their vehicles while awaiting testing; restroom facilities will not be available.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Local and commercial pharmacies, as well as our community health care providers (health centers, urgent cares, physicians, hospitals etc.) continue to offer COVID-19 testing throughout Pasco County.

COVID-19 testing sites in Pasco County can be found on the DOH-Pasco website and on the DOH COVID-19 Testing Sites Locator. Residents should call the facilities prior to going for testing to ensure they meet any guidelines required by the provider.

DOH-Pasco continues to urge all eligible individuals (including those who have already had COVID-19 and recovered) to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

To date, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than half of Pasco County's residents (43.9 percent) have been vaccinated.

To schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination at a DOH-Pasco clinic, call 727-861-5260 and select Option 1 for Medical Services then Option 2 for Immunizations. Pasco County has more than 130 locations providing vaccines throughout the county.

Visit the DOH Vaccine Locator webpage to find COVID-19 vaccination sites by county or city.

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