Rick Scott wants federal government to pay for drive-thru coronavirus testing

As the United States tries to speed up coronavirus testing capabilities, Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott wants the Department of Health and Human Services to reimburse states for setting up mobile coronavirus testing sites.

Scott — who is under self-quarantine for the virus after potential exposure — introduced the Coronavirus Mobile Collection Site Act on Thursday before the U.S. Senate adjourned for the weekend as states like Colorado and Washington are expanding coronavirus testing sites where patients can receive a test while sitting in their car.

Scott hopes to include the legislation as part of the coronavirus stimulus package that is being negotiated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the White House. The House is expected to vote on the package on Friday, and the Senate could make additional changes to the bill before it heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for approval.

Scott’s legislation would ensure that states would be reimbursed by HHS for the costs of mobile testing sites. His office said mobile tests conducted while people sit in their cars would mean that fewer people will be exposed if someone tests positive for cornavirus.

Colorado’s first mobile testing site had lines of over three to four hours on Thursday, and Gov. Jared Polis said that the state needs to open more testing sites. Florida has not opened any mobile testing sites as of Friday, Scott’s office said.

“Access to testing is the No. 1 issue right now,” Scott said in prepared remarks. “People who need and want to be tested are being turned away. In the nation with the best and most developed health care system in the world, that is absolutely ridiculous.”

Scott said mobile tests were successful in places like South Korea and Australia, and he noted that states like Colorado, Connecticut and Washington are beginning to use the method.

“At these mobile testing sites, people can drive up and get tested at a window,” Scott said. “Just like a fast food restaurant.”

Scott also wants to create a national hotline where Americans who believe they are experiencing coronavirus symptoms can find out if they need to be tested and where the nearest facility is located.

“If you look at reports, South Korea has been able to fight this virus by expanding testing,” Scott said. “It has been reported that 15,000 people a day are getting tested and 210,000 South Koreans have been tested since Jan. 3, compared to about 6,500 tests completed in the U.S. as of this week.”

South Korea’s coronavirus death rate is around 0.6 percent, a far lower rate than other countries, including the United States.

Scott also wants to shut down all U.S. borders to all foreign tourism, a step further than a ban on European travelers announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday, and have all schools close for 14 days in areas with local transmission and community spread.

But if Scott’s bill comes up for a vote or is included in a larger piece of legislation in the coming days, he won’t be able to vote for it.

Scott spokesperson Chris Hartline said the senator is under self-quarantine in Washington for at least 11 more days after coming into contact on Monday with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his press secretary Fabio Wajngarten. Wajngarten and Miami mayor Francis Suarez, who also appeared at a Miami event with Scott, tested positive for coronavirus.

Members of Congress are required to vote for legislation in person.

This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 11:12 AM.