HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL ANNOUNCE COVID-19 TESTS FOR TEACHERS AND DISTRICT STAFF

Today, Superintendent Davis unveiled the details for employees to access testing across the Tampa Bay area.

Tampa, Fla., (August 31, 2020) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) announced a new and innovative partnership with Tampa General Hospital (TGH) to provide COVID-19  testing for the district’s teachers and staff.

“Our teachers and employees are the heart and soul of Hillsborough County Public Schools, and their safety is paramount to not only this administration, but to our entire community,” said Superintendent Addison Davis. “Through this first-of-its-kind partnership with Tampa General Hospital, our employees will now have access to COVID-19 expedited testing to ensure they have the information they need, faster, should they come into contact with a potential carrier of the virus or display symptoms. We have a responsibility to provide a safe back-to-school experience for our staff, while reducing the spread of this challenging virus, and this opportunity ultimately provides a step towards normalcy for the Tampa Bay area.”

Individuals displaying COVID-19 symptoms or who may have been exposed to the virus are encouraged to contact their onsite Hillsborough County Public Schools COVID-19 lead to schedule the testing, which should yield a result within 24-72 hours. Participating staff will receive priority scheduling, and testing will take place at one of the conveniently located TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track locations.

“Tampa General is proud to partner with Hillsborough County Public Schools to help keep everyone safe. We believe teachers and staff are essential workers, making a difference everyday in the lives of so many. We look forward to providing this important medical testing service,” said John Couris, President & CEO of Tampa General Hospital.  

To be eligible for the free testing, teachers and HCPS employees must:

• Display signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19
• May have recent known or suspected exposure to COVID-19
• Must have Humana Insurance provided through HCPS

For individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, HCPS staff will arrange an appointment at one of TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track locations in Brandon, Riverview, Carrollwood, Tyrone, Westchase, South Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Sun City Center, Downtown at the Heights,  Seminole, or their newest location Downtown Water Street, ensuring those employees located across the area can more conveniently access the medical screening.

Employees are being asked to sign a release allowing the COVID-19 result to be shared with HCPS to ensure all appropriate protocols are followed.