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COVID-19 test sites reopen across Orange County after New Year’s rush

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — It’s going to be a very busy day at COVID-19 testing around Orange County and the rest of the state.

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Orange County shut down all three sites over the New Year’s holiday.

There were already several dozen cars at the Barnett Park testing site. The first car showed up at 3 a.m., even though the site doesn’t open until 9 a.m.

READ: New Year off to a rocky start as canceled flights cause chaos

Barnett Park, Econ Soccer Complex and South Orange Youth Sports Complex all reopen Sunday. Those in line said they’re desperate to get tested.

“It’s crazy because we have to get up so early, and this is the only way that we can because there’s no other free testing,” resident Melissa Guerrero said.

READ: Orange County finds ‘historic increase’ of coronavirus remnants in wastewater

Guerrero said even if she could buy a testing kit, which is nearly impossible because most places are sold out, she has a large family. At $25 each, she’d be spending $75 to $100 to get her family tested.

No walk-ups are allowed at the testing sites — you must be in a car. Testing is free but you’ll have to get to the sites early to take advantage of the service.

READ: Florida breaks single-day COVID-19 record with 75,900 cases

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.

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