New York Doctors Join South Florida Coronavirus Fight, Set Up Test Site In Miami Lakes
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A new coronavirus test site for residents of Miami Lakes opened Monday.
The site, at the Miami Lakes Youth Center, is staffed by doctors from New York who are now joining in South Florida's battle against the coronavirus.
"It's the same virus that killed more than 30 thousand people in New York," said Dr. Ramon Tallaj, chairman and founder of SOMOS Community Care.
Doctors and physicians of SOMOS are a network of immigrant physicians that serve low-income communities in New York. They responded to the coronavirus on the front lines in their home state and are now turning to hot spots in South Florida.
"If you haven't been sick at all and you have no symptoms, please stay home," said Tallaj.
The Miami Lakes site offers nasal swab and immunity testing by appointment only Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The SOMOS physicians are hoping to bring help to the minority communities hit hardest by the pandemic and have a strong message for those who live in them.
"As simple as this, if you are older than 55 years old and you get the virus, there's a big chance you can get seriously ill and you could die," said Tallaj.
They're urging everyone to stay home if they can and wear a mask.
Residents can schedule an appointment at somosny.com or by calling (833) 766-6769.
A spokesperson for SOMOS said the group will be in South Florida for two weeks.