Why a Coronavirus Test Result Takes Two Weeks or More

As capacity expands across the country, backlogs are growing and many people are waiting weeks; ‘The most stressful time ever’.

Maria Estrella has been waiting for her Covid-19 test results since March 17. The South Florida resident began feeling ill, with a sore throat, fever and headache, after returning from a trip to northern Italy. When she was tested at the Mercy Miami Hospital emergency room, staff said the results were sent to a private lab in Georgia and would take three to six days.

Ms. Estrella’s symptoms have subsided,...