Florida to begin mass antibody testing next week

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday that Florida will ramp up serological testing next week to see whether people have antibodies that indicate they were infected with the coronavirus and recovered without demonstrating symptoms. 

The governor said Florida will disperse 200,000 antibody tests to hospitals and 12 drive-up testing sites across the state. It is uncertain whether those with antibodies are immune to subsequent coronavirus infections, but typically those exposed to viruses exhibit less vulnerability. 

“Antibody testing is finally here,” DeSantis said. “We’re going to get many more coming down the line, but those 200,000, I think, will be a really good start.” 

Speaking at the launch of a drive-thru testing site in Sarasota, which eventually will offer up to 750 tests a day, the governor reiterated his pledge to dramatically increase diagnostic testing statewide as a key component of his reopening plan.