MIDLAND, MI — A free COVID-19 testing clinic happening in Midland this weekend is open to residents, with or without symptoms.
The Midland County Department of Public Health is hosting the clinic in conjunction with the Michigan National Guard, Michigan State Police, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services “due to ongoing impacts from the recent flooding event in Midland County," according to a Midland County Office of Emergency Management news release. Dam failures and severe flooding in Midland County and surrounding areas last week displaced thousands of people and damaged or destroyed infrastructure and homes.
Testing will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, via a drive-thru clinic at Dow Diamond, 825 E. Main St. in Midland. The National Guard will conduct nasopharyngeal testing and the Midland County Department of Public Health will assist with data collection.
You do not have to have COVID-19 symptoms to be tested at this free clinic.
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“As area residents work to mitigate flood damage they have had to work in close proximity to one another and may not have always had with them the personal protection equipment necessary to protect against the spread of Covid-19,” Midland County Health Director Fred Yanoski said in a statement.
“Displaced residents staying in the homes of friends and family coupled with an influx of volunteers from across Michigan and neighboring states coming into Midland County to help also raises concerns for the spread of this disease. The Midland County Health Department wanted ensure that anyone who wants a Covid-19 test could get one quickly and easily. The mass testing facility will help provide that easy accessibility to testing.”
Those seeking a test should enter via the main Dow Diamond entrance off Buttles Street and remain in their vehicles. The test is free for residents and will yield a positive or negative result only. The test does not detect antibodies.
Michigan now has 56,014 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 5,372 related deaths. For more statewide data, visit MLive’s coronavirus data page here.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
The Powering Positivity campaign by MLive Media Group highlights how Michiganders are supporting one another during the coronavirus pandemic. It is sponsored by The MediLodge Group.
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