Pharmacy giant to open additional COVID-19 test sites in region

TAMPA — CVS Health, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Florida, will offer testing at 10 additional sites in Florida, including three in the Tampa Bay area, beginning Friday. 

The self-swab tests will be offered at CVS Pharmacy Drive-thru locations in Largo, Lutz and Tarpon Springs, according to a news release. CVS Health expects to have up to 1,000 locations across the country offering COVID-19 tests by the end of May, with the goal of processing up to 1.5 million tests per month. 

"While the large-scale test sites we've been operating since early April have proven successful, this new approach allows us to utilize our presence in communities across the country and bring testing closer to home," CVS Health President and CEO Larry Merlo states in the release. "Our frontline employees will continue to play a critical role in the testing process, with members of their communities directly benefiting from their dedication and selflessness."

To obtain a test, patients must schedule an appointment at CVS.com, the release states. Results will be available in approximately three days.