TAMPA, Fla. — A site dedicated to helping people fight COVID-19 at a faster clip is opening in Tampa — and it's among some of the first state-run locations offering this special treatment.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday the monoclonal antibody treatment site at Kings Forest Park, located near the Florida State Fairgrounds, has the capacity to serve more than 300 patients per day.
Monoclonal antibody treatments, such as Regeneron, are used to help those who test positive for COVID-19 feel better faster.
The site is located at 8008 E. Chelsea St. and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
"Early access to monoclonal antibody treatment saves lives, DeSantis said in a statement. "I’m proud that today we were able to open our sixth and seventh state sites in less than one week to expand access to this important therapy for Floridians.
"In the coming days, we will continue to open more sites across the state."
The therapy is the same one former President Donald Trump received when he had COVID-19.
The governor announced yesterday that 15-20 monoclonal antibody sites are set to open throughout Florida and will be able to administer up to 300 Regeneron treatments a day at no cost to the patients in need. He even mentioned one of those sites would be opening later this week at Tropicana Field.
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.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried sent a news release ahead of the governor's formal announcement, indicating her office would allow the new site at the fairgrounds, which fall under the Florida State Fair Authority and, thus, her eventual supervision.
Fried also emphasized that vaccines are still the most effective way to prevent severe illness related to COVID-19.
“To be explicitly clear: vaccines remain the absolute number-one way to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death from the virus – proven by science and backed by the medical community. The massive spikes in COVID-19 cases driving our hospital system to the brink is largely by unvaccinated individuals," Fried said in a statement.
“For those who unfortunately test positive for COVID-19, monoclonal antibody therapy may help reduce symptoms when treated early, so we’re pleased to make the Florida State Fairgrounds available for those needing this treatment.”