Local physicians group to begin testing thousands for COVID-19 in Brevard County

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A local physicians group plans to begin testing thousands for coronavirus in Brevard County.

Omni Heathcare in Melbourne managed to get supplies to test 10,000 individuals for COVID-19.

“We’ve managed to identify suppliers who can provide to us, the individual components and we have essentially manufactured our own supply kits,” said Craig Deligdish, the chief medical officer at Omni Healthcare.

Deligdish hopes their creative hunt for supplies and quick turnaround will help get more Brevard County residents tested.

The county lags well behind other Central Florida counties in testing per capita, testing about a third to a half the rate of other counties, according to Saturday morning’s state data.

“Our goal is to test as many people as possible and to identify people who have been infected who may be carriers,” Deligdish said.

Deligdish said they will test first responders, health care workers, Public and Winn Dixie employees, those over 45 with a chronic illness, people 60 and older and anyone with a cough and fever.

In order to be tested, individuals must call ahead and schedule an appointment to be seen.

If there is enough demand, Omni plans to expand testing to all four of its sites in Brevard County.

Cox Media Group