COVID Test in Miami: Important Things to Know About Coronavirus Testing in Miami

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Updated 9 February, 2021

Months after its first few cases were reported, COVID-19 pandemic is still raging on all around the world, wreaking havoc on stability and economy. But countries are fighting back with travel restrictions, quarantine measures, and perhaps primarily, upping the testing capacities.

If you’re in Miami or are looking to travel to the country, what do you need to know about COVID-19 testing in Miami?

Who should get tested for COVID-19?

Although anyone can get tested voluntarily, the CDC has specified the categories of people for whom it is a must. Per the guidelines, COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. Note that elderly people might not develop fever.

Aside from symptomatic people, the test is crucial for asymptomatic people in high-risk groups or settings which include:

• High-risk symptomatic individuals
• People exposed to infected individuals in places where COVID-19 risk is high
• Healthcare workers, first responders, other social service employees, and people in other essential jobs
• People considered part of vulnerable populations
• Older adults
• People with underlying medical conditions
• Caretakers of older adults or those with underlying medical conditions

Essential jobs refer to occupations such as utility workers, grocery store workers, food supply workers, and other public-facing employees including childcare and school workers.

Vulnerable populations refer to those in ethnic and racial minority groups, people with HIV/AIDS, people experiencing homelessness, those in rural areas, migrant workers, and Native Americans.

Testing at Miami airport

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport started offering COVID tests to passengers in early December.

Testing is not yet available to passengers at Miami International Airport (MIA). However, the airport spokesman said that there are plans to make rapid testing available to all passengers by November.

Where can I get tested in Miami?

Your health plan should offer coverage for free testing, please contact your provider to inquire about your eligibility.

Free testing centres have been set up at different drive-up, walk-in, and mobile sites in Miami. Some of these centres may prioritize patients on the basis of age, symptoms, and appointments, so make sure you’re eligible for the site you plan to test at. For details about mobile testing vans, call 786-746-7887.

Manuel Artime Theater
900 SW 1st Street Miami, FL 33130
Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Walk-In testing site. No appointment required.

Marlins Park
501 Marlins Way Miami, FL 33125 – West Parking Lots
Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Walk-In testing site. Make an appointment here.

Care 4 U Community Health Center
4690 NW 7th Avenue Miami, FL 33127
Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Walk-In testing site. No appointment required.

Miami-Beach Community Health Center – Stanley C. Myers Center
710 Alton Road Miami Beach, FL 33139
Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Walk-In testing site. To make an appointment, call 305-538-8835.

While you wait for your test results, continue to monitor your health condition.

• If you are experiencing symptoms, stay home and keep your distance from others, including other people in your home.
• If you do not have symptoms, but were identified by a medical professional as a close contact of someone who has tested positive, you should quarantine at home.
• If you do not have symptom and have not been advised by a medical professional to quarantine at home, you can resume your activities while you wait for your test result. Minimizing your contact with others, continue to observe social distancing, wear face mask, and wash your hands.

When will I receive my test result?

You can expect tests from county-coordinated testing sites to be completed in approximately 1 to 3 days. If your result is negative, you will be notified via email. If it’s positive, you will be notified by phone and email. If you do not get an email or call after 3 days, contact 211 or 305-631-4211 to speak to the COVID-19 Help Line.

How much is the cost for COVID-19 test in Miami?

While the testing sites arranged by Miami-Dade county provided the tests free of cost, private labs charge around $60 for antibody tests. PCR tests can cost anywhere from $100 to $200.