Central Floridians looking for COVID-19 tests find long lines, empty shelves

ORLANDO, Fla. — As we get closer and closer to Christmas, it’s getting more difficult for people to find a COVID-19 test in Central Florida.

Barnett Park hit capacity for testing early for the seventh day in a row on Tuesday. And many pharmacies, including the CVS at Curry Ford Road and Conway Road, are sold out of at-home tests.

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Channel 9 was able to find in-stock at-home tests at a local Walgreens, but the store is limiting sales to four tests per customer to keep up with demand.

Teresa Oviedo said she tried to get a COVID-19 test all day but came across only empty shelves.

READ: Coronavirus: 1st known omicron death in US reported in Texas

She’s battling the clock because she needs one so she can fly home to Paraguay on Wednesday.

As for drive-thru tests at the pharmacies, neither CVS nor Walgreens had availability until Thursday at the earliest.

READ: Coronavirus: Biden lays out plan to curb omicron surge, focuses on vaccinations

A few weeks ago, the Seminole County Health Department gave away home test kits, but those are no longer available.

Orange and Osceola County Health Departments have not provided those kits.

SEE: 9 things to know about the new omicron COVID-19 variant

Without another choice, Oviedo sat in line with hundreds of others to get tested at Barnett Park.

Barnett Park is closed on Christmas Day, so there’s no chance to get a test there then.

Walgreens and CVS will be open, but they’re booked.

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Omicron COVID-19 variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron. (WFTV Staff)

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