Spring Hill- The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County (DOH-Hernando) will begin expanded COVID-19 testing beginning Wednesday, May 13, 2020 by appointment.

Expanded testing will provide a clearer picture of how many residents may currently have the virus and guide decision making by state and local leaders. Testing is still being prioritized following CDC guidelines; however, individuals without symptoms can now be tested through DOH-Hernando.

COVID-19 testing is offered at no cost and by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 352-540-6800 and choose option 1. Callers will be given specific instructions on when and where to go for the test. This is not “drive-thru” testing.

Test results are not immediate. It usually takes 2-4 days, and in some cases up to 10 days. Persons who are ill at the time they test should self-isolate until the test results are known. Though not required, it is recommended that all residents, including those who do not have symptoms, wear face coverings while around others in public and continue social distancing practices.

You can find additional information about COVID-19 on the Florida Department of Health's COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard: floridahealthcovid19.gov/. For county specific information, scroll down and click on "see dashboard," select Hernando County at the top of the page and click on "Florida Testing" at the bottom. This is information is updated once per day. For the latest updates from DOH-Hernando, follow us on Twitter at @HealthyHernando.

About the Florida Department of HealthThe department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.