TAMPA, Fla. — As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise across Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis is putting the state's efforts into offering people a treatment that will help fight the virus.
The governor announced several monoclonal antibody treatment sites would be opening in different parts of Florida.
Health experts say monoclonal antibody treatments are effective in easing COVID-19 symptoms but are most effective within the first few days of diagnosis.
Dr. Kami Kim, division director of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, says it neutralizes the virus and works to shorten the duration of symptoms and avoid hospitalization.
Right now, monoclonal antibody treatment is still under Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA.
Here's where you can receive the treatment around Tampa Bay — click here for the complete statewide list from the Florida Department of Health:
Charlotte County
The Englewood Charlotte Public Library, 3450 N. Access Rd., is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. The site will have the capacity to serve more than 300 patients a day.
Highlands County
The Agri-Civic Center, 4509 George Blvd., will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
Hillsborough County
Kings Forest Park, 8008 E. Chelsea St., is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. It will have the capacity to serve more than 300 patients per day.
Manatee County
The Manatee Memorial Hospital Complex, located at 206 2nd St. E. in Bradenton, will host a monoclonal antibody treatment site. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Pasco County
The Fasano Center, 11611 Denton Ave., will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. The site will be able to administer up to 300 treatments a day at no cost to the patient and without a referral from a doctor.
Pinellas County
Tropicana Field will offer monoclonal antibody treatment. However, details on when and what hours are still being ironed out.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 409 South Old Coachman Road, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The site is said to have the capacity to serve more than 300 patients a day.
Polk County
The Chuch at the Mall, located at 1010 E. Memorial Blvd., will offer a monoclonal antibody treatment. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.