Panama City, Fla.— The Florida Department of Health in Bay County (DOH-Bay) and our partners will be providing a fourth drive through COVID-19 viral testing site on Thursday, May 21 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Youngstown/Fountain Recreational Complex at 12321 E. Hwy 20, Youngstown. Testing will be provided to all adults regardless of symptoms. There are no fees, no registration, and no appointments needed. Results will be available in about one-week. Antibody testing is not available.

“While we continue our fight against COVID-19, we simultaneously are fulfilling other public health initiatives including the prevention of Hepatitis A”, said Sandon S. Speedling, MHS, CPM, CPH Administrator and Health Officer, DOH-Bay. “In addition to our efforts to vaccinate tomorrow, over the past two weeks we have provided a second round of Hepatitis A shots to Panama City first responders and employees through drive-up services at DOH-Bay.”

In addition to the COVID-19 viral testing, DOH-Bay will also provide Hepatitis A vaccinations free of charge. Hepatitis A (Hep A) virus is in the feces of people who have the virus. If a person with the virus doesn’t wash his or her hands after going to the bathroom, fecal matter can transfer to people, objects, food and drinks. Hepatitis A vaccination is your best protection against the virus. Most vaccinations come in two doses given six months apart.

Hand washing is an excellent prevention tool for both Hep A and COVID-19. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water are always best because alcohol-based sanitizers do not kill Hep A germs.

Bay County’s total COVID-19 cases is at 86. The percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 in Bay County overall is 3%. Of the 2,862 tests processed, there are 2,773 negative results. There are three Florida resident deaths in Bay County from COVID-19. The total Florida resident hospitalizations count is at 12.

For more Information on COVID-19

For text alert updates from the Florida Department of Health in Bay County, text bayhealth to 888-777. For additional information specific to Bay County, visit BayHealthCOVID19.com. You may also contact the Citizens Information Center 7 days a week from 10 am – 6 pm at (850) 248-6090 or email ask@baycountyfl.gov.

To find the most up-to-date information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 website at FloridaHealthCOVID19.gov.
For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling (866) 779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours per day. Inquiries may also be emailed to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

For more Information on Hepatitis A

For more information on Hep A, visit FloridaHealth.gov/hepa.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov .