ENGLEWOOD – A free monoclonal antibody treatment opens today August 24th in Englewood. The Governor made the announcement at the Tringali Park Community Center in Englewood. The treatment site will be located at the center. The treatment center, which will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is open to those who test positive. To be treated you just have to make an appointment. The center has the capacity to handle 320 patients a day.

Governor DeSantis said the Englewood location was chosen to serve southern Sarasota County, Charlotte County, Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.

Monoclonal antibody treatments can be prescribed by health care providers to individuals 12 years of age and older who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are at high risk for severe illness and hospitalization. However, at Governor DeSantis’ direction, there is currently a standing order in Florida signed by the State Surgeon General that allows patients to receive this treatment without a prescription or referral if administered by an eligible health care provider. Such referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites and treatments are available at no cost to patients.
  
The antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus. According to the treatment guidelines, they should be administered as soon as possible after diagnosis. By providing access to these treatments at these new sites, Governor DeSantis is alleviating demand on hospital resources and further making sure that Floridians have access to all potential treatments that can help them recover from COVID-19.  
  
Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Health continue to encourage Floridians to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Find out where the vaccine is offered HERE