Tampa International Airport (TPA) and BayCare Health System announced they are expanding the airport’s COVID-19 Passenger Testing Program into 2021 after the success of its first three months of operation.
The COVID-19 testing site is located in the airport’s Main Terminal, near the entrance to Airside F. Since the program launched in October, the testing site has processed more than 12,000 FDA-approved COVID-19 tests (Polymerase Chain Reaction and rapid antigen).
“The numbers make it clear: Passengers appreciate the convenience and the confidence that our TPA COVID-19 testing site provides, making travel safer for themselves and those around them,” TPA CEO Joe Lopano said. “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with BayCare in offering this voluntary testing service into 2021.”
Both the airport and BayCare anticipate operating the site for several more months.
“We know that until there is a herd immunity, testing will continue to be key to combatting this virus and making us all safer,” said Donna St. Louis, BayCare’s vice president for business development. “We welcome the chance to partner with Tampa International Airport to provide this service and access for our community.”
TPA has been averaging about 133 tests per day, peaking at more than 280 in a single day for the tests. The passenger cost is $150 for the more accurate PCR test, which takes 24 hours to 48 hours for results, and $60 for the rapid antigen test, which can provide results in minutes.
