Orange County Convention Center was recently featured in a special article on the Bullhorn Media Blog. Little did we realize then that it would become a testing location for COVID-19. In the past, it has been home to celebratory activities, beautiful conventions and the site of many Bullhorn Media videos and photos.
Orange County Convention Center Blues–We Miss You
Currently, Orlando Has Enough Isolation Gear to Man the COVID-19 Test Sites.
Now, however, Bullhorn Media cannot help but think that the government has drafted this great venue into a noble cause. And they are happy to help. With all public events canceled, the eerily empty OCCC parking lot has been transformed into a major screening and testing site for coronavirus, and its resulting disease COVID-19.
“The Florida Department of Health said there are 3,198 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state. The state saw 714 new cases on Friday. 46 people have died from coronavirus in Florida.”
More than A Medical Tent: Our First Defense against the Pandemic
More than a mere site, the testing site is made up of people. 260 guardsmen, over 40 nurses and Florida emergency management officials operate the drive-thru testing site.
Authorities stated, “We’re good to go. We have the PPE we need. (the personal protective equipment) Nurses are conducting the initial screening.”
Civilian nurses at the site were contracted by Florida. They are also taking on-site temperatures. In fact, authorities added a second lane for pre-screening due number of people who came to the center for testing.
A Bullhorn Full of OC Community Center Test Site Information
Currently, the drive-thru testing site is open to people 65 years of age or older.
- Plus you must have some respiratory symptoms.
- And you must register an on-site temperature of 99.6 or higher.
- Likewise, the testing is available for members of medical staff and first responders. However, you must produce a valid agency ID.
Answering The OC Community Center Big Question
Bullhorn Media Salutes Family Life with Kids at Home From School and Parents Working From Home.
We know many citizens are curious as to why the site is not available for others. The requirements are, at this time federally mandated. And the law requires the above rules to be followed. Like everything else in the world of COVID-19 days, this could and–probably will change in the days and weeks ahead.
Bullhorn Media Amplifies the Rules for the Orange County Convention Center Tests
We at Bullhorn Media are publishing the above rules so you won’t waste a trip to the Orange County Convention Center, or sit in a long line of traffic for no reason. You see, on Wednesday, the testing site accepted 247 people. They had to turn away 81 people who did not meet the requirements.
They asked people to remain patient, and be prepared to wait in your car for a little while. Furthermore, they stated, “If there are multiple people being tested in the vehicle, try to sit on the same side of the vehicle. That will really help once you get to the testing area where they’re doing the swabs.”
What Happens after the Parking Lot Test?
- After the swabs are taken, the staff sends them to laboratories for analysis.
- When they have your results, a member of the Florida Department of Health will contact you
In summary, the authorities at the Orange County Convention Center ask you to stay in your car and bring a valid ID with you.
Breaking News: Stay at Home Order
Just in case you have not heard, Mayor Buddy Dyer has joined Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings in supporting a Stay at Home Order for all residents. This means all non-essential businesses are closing.
(Bullhorn Media reminds you that you can catch the latest news on the pandemic, by subscribing to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter. Or go to this reliable online resource.
Brighter Days for OC Community Center are Coming after the Crisis
The Orange County Convention Center Supports a COVID-19 Testing Center in Its Parking Lot.
It’s a new role for the property at OCCC, just as we all have new roles in the age of COVID-19. Check out our previous blog for the ways we are all supporting our health and community. Our hearts go out to the families who have been touched by the sudden onset of this dreadful disease.
The Bullhorn Media owners and staff are on a mission to keep our readers well informed during this crisis. In the meantime, we’ll soon be bringing you some fun photography tips to keep you entertained as you maintain social distance in your own backyard. We look forward to brighter days when our beloved Orange County Convention Center can return to its role as a host to exciting worldwide events and conferences. Be Well!