3 people collapse waiting in line for COVID testing in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Three people collapsed while waiting in line at a coranavirus testing site in Tampa on Friday morning, officials said.

Long lines have been reported at many sites around the state as the omicron variant is causing a sharp increase of new coronavirus in many parts of Florida.

Authorities received three medical calls at the Al Lopez Park testing site, according to Lauren Rozyla, a spokeswoman for the city of Tampa. She said one person left before medics arrived, but two women in their 60s, both with a history of blood pressure issued, fainted while standing in line.

Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp asked those coming to the site for testing to be patient and expect long lines.

Later Friday morning, the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department began providing people waiting in line with water and ice, Rozyla said.

The parking lot at the site holds just over 400 cars and it was filled to capacity before testing began at 7 a.m., Rozyla said.

The city estimates between 3,000 and 5,000 people are being tested per day at the site.