With Tropical Cyclone Nine approaching, the state of Florida is preparing to close its COVID-19 testing sites.
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According to WESH, there is a 90% chance that the approaching tropical cyclone could reach tropical storm status — if it does, it will be named Tropical Storm Isaias.
With the storm taking shape in the Caribbean, Florida is planning to close its testing sites in preparation. According to Spectrum News 13, the sites will close at 5PM on Thursday. Florida’s Division of Emergency Management said in a news release that its testing sites can’t hold up to the threat of a potential tropical cyclone because they include tents and other free-standing structures.
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State officials said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution. According to the release, testing sites will begin reopening as the severe weather threat passes, and all sites are expected to reopen by 8 a.m. Wednesday at the latest.
Orange and Hillsborough counties followed suit, saying that all testing sites run by their health departments will also be closed into next week. Orange’s Health Department has said their sites will remain closed through at least Wednesday.
Central Florida could see its first storm of the 2020 hurricane season with developing Tropical Storm Isaias