COVID-19 testing center hours to change

Editor's Note: The TPA COVID-19 testing site closed operations on May 7, 2021. Visit the Florida Dept. of Health for testing locations and availability.

The hours of operation for BayCare Health System’s COVID-19 testing center at Tampa International Airport will change next month as demand for the tests decreases among TPA travelers.

Beginning April 1, the testing center will operate six days a week: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until noon; Sundays from 8 a.m. until noon.

Demand for the tests peaked in December 2020 with more than 4,800 tests administered for the month. February saw fewer than 2,000 tests.

The testing area, which is located on the Main Terminal’s third-floor transfer level, offers two types of tests to all TPA passengers at a cost of $150 for the PCR and $60 for the rapid antigen.

Testing is voluntary and is open to all arriving and departing passengers who can show proof of travel. Passengers departing from TPA to destinations requiring a negative PCR test, the most accurate and broadly accepted internationally, are advised to take the test three days before departure and can expect results within 48 hours. Passengers should check to ensure they receive their test results in accordance with the requirements or guidelines for their destination.

Under law, BayCare reports all positive results to the Florida Department of Health.

For more information about Tampa International Airport's COVID-19 Passenger Testing Program, visit https://baycare.org/TPA-Testing.