Orlando Airport: Covid Testing Availability And Accessibility

As of June 2023, COVID-19 testing sites at Orlando International Airport have been closed. Previously, the airport offered on-site testing in partnership with AdventHealth Centra Care, but travellers are now advised to arrive with their COVID-19 test results already in hand. The City of Orlando website provides a list of nearby testing sites for travellers who require a test before continuing their journey.

Orlando Airport previously offered on-site COVID-19 testing

Orlando International Airport previously offered on-site COVID-19 testing to both employees and travellers. The testing site was operated in partnership with AdventHealth Centra Care, and appointments were available but not required. The site was located inside the terminal, separate from AdventHealth's vaccination site.

However, in June 2023, the airport announced that it would be closing its COVID-19 testing sites. This change was likely in response to the decrease in demand for testing services at the airport. Now, travellers seeking a COVID-19 test before their departure must visit an off-site testing location. The City of Orlando website provides a list of nearby testing sites, and travellers can also find testing at CVS or Walgreens locations.

While the on-site testing clinic was open, travellers were encouraged to make appointments in advance due to high demand and limited availability. The site offered rapid-result tests, but it was not uncommon for the location to run out of tests, as walk-up demand often exceeded supply.

The closure of the COVID-19 testing sites at Orlando International Airport marks a shift away from pandemic-era procedures and a return to pre-pandemic operations.

The airport's testing sites are now closed

As of June 2023, the COVID-19 testing sites at Orlando Airport are no longer available. The airport has removed one of its COVID-19 protective measures, meaning that travellers and employees can no longer get tested at the airport.

Previously, the airport had several testing sites that both employees and travellers could use if they wanted to get a negative test before continuing their journey. Now, those seeking a test before travelling will need to visit a testing site located elsewhere.

If you are travelling to Orlando Airport, it is recommended that you bring your COVID-19 test results with you. You can get tested at a CVS or Walgreens pharmacy, or check the Orange County Community Testing Sites website for more information.

It is important to plan ahead and not rely on airport testing facilities, as they may not always be available. By arriving at the airport with your test results already in hand, you can avoid any potential delays or complications.

Testing was available to anyone, with appointments offered but not required

As of June 2023, COVID-19 testing sites at Orlando International Airport have been closed. However, prior to this, the airport did offer on-site COVID-19 testing, which was available to anyone, with appointments offered but not required.

The testing site, operated by AdventHealth Centra Care, was located inside the terminal and offered quick and convenient testing for travellers and employees. While appointments were available through the Centra Care website or by searching for "OIA" and "COVID testing" online, they were not necessary to access the testing facility. However, due to high demand, walk-ins were accepted based on availability, and travellers were warned that a test could not be guaranteed without an appointment.

On one occasion in 2022, the testing centre ran out of tests, and AdventHealth spokesperson Jeff Grainger attributed this to walk-up demand, emphasising that supply was not the issue. He encouraged travellers to make appointments if they intended to utilise the COVID-19 testing service at the airport. Despite the availability of testing at the airport, travel experts consistently advised against relying solely on airport testing facilities for pre-flight COVID-19 tests. They recommended that travellers plan ahead and obtain their test results before arriving at the airport, as the high demand for tests could result in long wait times or unavailability of tests.

Currently, travellers seeking COVID-19 testing can refer to the City of Orlando's website for a list of nearby testing sites. Additionally, individuals can visit local pharmacies, such as CVS or Walgreens, or refer to the Orange County Community Testing Sites website for more information on testing options in the area.

The airport's vaccination site remains open, but only to those with appointments

As of June 2023, the Orlando International Airport has closed its on-site COVID-19 testing sites. Previously, the airport had testing sites that employees and travellers could use if they wanted to get tested before continuing their journey. Now, those seeking a test will need to visit an off-site testing centre. However, the airport's vaccination site remains open, but only to those with appointments.

The vaccination site is located separately from the former testing sites and is not inside the airport terminal. It is operated by AdventHealth, which also previously operated the airport's testing centre. The vaccination site is not open to anyone who has not registered for an appointment in advance. Vaccinations are also not available at the testing site inside the terminal.

Appointments for the vaccination site can be made on the Centra Care website or by searching "OIA" and "COVID vaccination" online. The site warns that due to high demand, walk-ins are accepted based on availability, and tests cannot be guaranteed without an appointment. Airport officials have estimated that more than 133,000 passengers will pass through the gates on a given day, including 65,600 departing passengers.

Given the high demand for testing and the limited availability of appointments, travel experts recommend that individuals planning to fly from Orlando International Airport obtain their COVID-19 test results before arriving at the airport. This is especially important for those flying to destinations that require pre-flight proof of a negative COVID-19 test. By planning ahead and obtaining test results in advance, travellers can avoid potential delays or complications during their journey.

Testing sites near the airport include CVS and Walgreens

As of June 2023, Orlando International Airport has closed its on-site COVID-19 testing sites. Previously, the airport offered testing sites for both employees and travellers. Now, those seeking a test will need to visit an off-site testing centre. Testing sites near the airport include CVS and Walgreens.

CVS and Walgreens are both American pharmacy and health retail chains. They are usually open every day, with some stores offering 24-hour service. Both companies offered in-store COVID-19 testing services during the pandemic. Testing services are usually available for free, with or without an appointment, and with or without symptoms. Results are typically available within minutes.

In addition to these pharmacies, there are several other testing sites near Orlando Airport. For instance, AdventHealth operates a COVID-19 testing centre at the airport, separate from their vaccination site. This testing centre is located inside the terminal and is open to anyone, with appointments available but not required. However, due to high demand, walk-ins may not be guaranteed a test. Appointments can be made on the Centra Care website or by searching "OIA" and "COVID testing" online.

For a full list of testing sites in the area, travellers can visit the City of Orlando COVID-19 Testing Sites website or the Orange County Community Testing Sites website.

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