COVID-19 testing is coming to another Florida airport.
A site, operated by health care company Helix, could open at Palm Beach International Airport as soon as Monday.
County Commissioners approved the plan on a 4 to 3 vote Tuesday, with one of the "Yes" votes coming from Melissa McKinlay, who says it would help travelers have a sense of comfort flying into the area.
"This is a good thing. Our tourism industry is getting slaughtered right now."
Those voting against the plan are concerned that while the testing center, operated by a the health care company Helix, will be required to notify the Department of Health of the test results, it would be up to the passenger to disclose that they're COVID-positive before boarding a plane.
HIPPA laws don't allow for the state to notify the airline.
The voluntary tests will be availble for a fee of up to $125 and only open to people traveling through PBIA. County Administrator Verdenia Baker was sure to address that part of it.
"Let's be extremely clear. No one should be going into the airport for this purpose if they are not flying."
The rapid tests will have results back within a half hour, while the PCR test results will be available in about 24 hours.
Coronavirus testing sites are already operating out of other Florida airports, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International.
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