Florida's Fisher Island purchases coronavirus tests for residents
One of the wealthiest zip codes in the US paid to have all 800 residents tested
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Officials from Florida’s exclusive Fisher Island have purchased thousands of new coronavirus antibody tests – enough for everyone within the community, regardless of whether they live or just work there, officials said.
Fisher Island, reportedly one of the richest zip code in the U.S. and located off the coast of Miami, bought enough COVID-19 antibody test kits to supply the roughly 800 families that live there and those who work on the island, according to The Miami Herald.
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Here’s a look at Fisher Island Club. (photo provided)
Island officials arranged to buy the kits from the University of Miami Health System, according to the report. A hospital spokesperson told the outlet residents requested its medical staff purchase the exams, but paid for the testing themselves.
Fisher Island spokesperson Sissy DeMaria confirmed the report on Tuesday morning, telling FOX Business the community sought to procure antibody testing "[t]o further minimize spread on the densely populated island."
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As of Tuesday morning, at least 21,019 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in the Sunshine State, and roughly 499 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University and Medicine.
Here’s a look at a $14 million townhouse available on Fisher Island. (Credit: The Bluntzer Group Real Estate)
Between five and nine Fisher Island residents have tested positive for the virus so far, the outlet reported, citing state records, though it was not immediately clear whether that number included results from the newly-revealed community-provided testing.
Approximately half of Fisher Island’s residents are 60 or older or are considered "high-risk," DeMaria told FOX Business.
The community reportedly boasts an average annual salary of $2.5 million as of 2015 and costs $250,000 per yearly club membership, according to the report.
But amenities provided by Fisher Island Club, such as access to golf courses, tennis courts and marina facilities, have been closed, and entry onto the island, which is already regularly patrolled by security, has been limited to "only essential personnel and visitors," DeMaria said.
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"Fisher Island has an established Health Clinic operated by the University of Miami Health System. With guidance from the Clinic, an Island-wide disease surveillance and comprehensive social distancing management project has been implemented," DeMaria said, later adding: "Fisher Island Club remains vigilant and continues to actively promote social distancing measures, is encouraging the use of face masks."