The Florida Department of Health has released new COVID-19 testing guidelines aimed at reducing the demand for testing in the state.
Only residents with symptoms of the virus who are considered high-risk should get tested, according to the new recommendations. Symptoms includes anyone 65 and older, has a medical condition like cancer, diabetes or chronic heart and lung problems, and/or who is pregnant or recently gave birth.
All other individuals, even those who have come in contact with an infected person, are being encouraged to wait to get tested until symptoms appear.
This guidance, which has been supported both by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, contradicts federal suggestions for testing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says anyone who has symptoms, has had contact with a symptomatic person or who is not fully vaccinated and works or goes to school in high-risk environments should get a test.
Florida is experiencing a surge in new COVID cases due to the latest omicron variant. A report out of the University of Florida predicts 80 percent of residents could become infected with the virus by the end of the wave.
The state's testing guidance can be found here.
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