Private Island Off Florida's Coast Just Bought Thousands Of Coronavirus Tests

A private enclave off the Florida coast called Fisher Island purchased thousands of coronavirus tests from the University of Miami Health System.

According to the Miami Herald, the luxury island residence purchased enough rapid COVID-19 blood test kits to ensure its over 800 families could be evaluated for the infectious disease. The sale came about as part of a deal Fisher Island struck with the hospital to produce a number of kits to serve both residents and medical personnel.

In addition, island employees and patrol officers will receive tests in a bid to quell the spread of the novel coronavirus on the island. However, this sampling of the population only represents a very small part of Florida residents who were actually able to receive testing for the deadly respiratory illness just yet.

Fisher Island happens to include what's considered America's richest zip code, so there is a degree of privilege involved here for who's able to receive test kits. Purchasing a membership to the Fisher Island Club, or the management company responsible for running the island's 216 acres of private beaches, golf courses, shops, and residences, costs a whopping $250,000. It's meant for societal elite.

Currently, only around 1% of Florida's entire population has been tested for coronavirus. This isn't a rare case, however. Many individuals seeking the peace of mind that a test can bring are unable to receive one. Medical professionals will not administer tests at present unless there is good reason: if a patient has been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for the virus or who has traveled to a known hot spot teeming with an infected population.

Since there are simply not enough tests to go around for everyone who wants one, there have been several guidelines laid out for physicians to follow. It has been recommended that doctors avoid testing patients except for cases where the presence of COVID-19 could significantly shift how the patient is treated.

It's unclear how many residents of Fisher Island have tested positive for coronavirus at this time, or if testing has commenced just yet.