One of the many perks of living in Florida is your close proximity to the Bahamas. A simple two-hour boat ride and you’re lying on the beach, Pina Colada in hand. That’s exactly where you’ll find me July 4th weekend but before we can step foot on Bahamian sand, we have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Last Wednesday, I went to a local park near my house that was converted to a walk-up testing center. I showed up 30 minutes prior to opening and the line was already 50 people deep. At the front of the line, there was a nurse handing out COVID-19 educational pamphlets and free masks. Behind her was the information station, where you provided a volunteer with your personal information and any experience of symptoms. This total process took about 10 minutes and then you were on your way to the testing booth.
A nurse sat you in a chair and tilted your head back, lightly sticking the testing swab up your nose. The swab goes pretty deep and while it’s not painful, it definitely was far from comfortable. Then voila, you’re done! The nurses give you a pamphlet that tells you how to access your results and though they say 3-5 days, prepare to wait longer. So far, it has been 6 days and I don’t have my results.
Moral of the story, COVID-19 testing really isn’t so bad! It was very surreal watching hundreds of people masked up trying to avoid each other, military members surveying the line and nurses sticking swabs up your nose, but this is our new normal for right now. Stay safe out there!
