TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday he is directing the state surgeon general "to allow licensed pharmacists in Florida to order and administer" coronavirus tests.
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"With this direction, it's my hope that pharmacies throughout the state consider how to offer COVID-19 testing," DeSantis said. "The state of Florida stands ready to help."
DeSantis said the state is also "looking at" home tests that are being developed.
The governor said he believes allowing pharmacists to administer tests "expands our capacity, makes testing more accessible for people and I think, ultimately, is the right thing to do."
According to the latest numbers from the Florida Department of Health, there are more than 30,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in the state, including more than 1,000 deaths.
