Mayor Announces Expansion of Free COVID-19 Testing

Beginning May 14, any Detroit resident 60 years or older can get a free COVID-19 test at the State Fairgrounds.  Mayor Mike Duggan announced the expansion at his briefing today.

Residents will need to make an appointment and have identification when they arrive for the test. However, they won’t need a doctor’s prescription.

Testing is being expanded based on data showing that individuals 60 and older make up 84 percent of COVID-19 deaths in Detroit, the Mayor said.

Residents should call (313) 230-0505 to schedule an appointment.  For Identification, residents can use:

• Driver’s License
• State or City ID
• Documents showing their address in last 30 days, such as a utility bill, pay stub, lease agreement or credit card statement

The Mayor indicated that free testing will be extended to individuals in other age groups in the future.

New Testing Policy for City of Detroit Employees

The Mayor also announced that City of Detroit employees who test positive for COVID-19 can now have members of their household tested for the virus for free.

Health Department to Conduct Testing at 70 Locations

The Detroit Health Department (DHD) this week began its citywide testing of senior citizens and has completed testing in 10 buildings, said Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair at the Mayor’s briefing May 13.

The testing is part of the Health Department’s strategy to identify senior citizens who have contracted COVID-19.  Data shows that the senior population is most at risk when contracting the virus.

The Health Department is targeting 70 locations with confirmed COVID-19 cases and plans to test 8000 residents over the next five weeks.  In addition, DHD will provide personal protective equipment and educate residents and staff on infection prevention measures.

DHD is working with Henry Ford Health System and Detroit emergency medical technicians to conduct the tests.

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation Awards $4 Million to 754 Detroit Small Businesses

Mayor Duggan is joined by DEGC President and CEO Kevin Johnson and Espy Thomas, owner of Sweet Potato Sensations, at his COVID-19 briefing May 13.

COVID-19 Testing Continues at Michigan State Fairgrounds, City Offers Detroiters Access to Doctors and $2 Rides

Free Testing Still Available for Detroiters

Free testing is still available for Detroiters with COVID-19 symptoms and essential workers at the State Fairgrounds.

Detroiters with COVID-19 Symptoms
Detroiters with symptoms can be tested even if they don’t have a primary care physician, health insurance, or a car.

Detroit physician offices are accepting new patients for Detroiters without insurance or a primary care physician. Once a person has a doctor’s prescription and appointment time, they can get a ride for $2 to the State Fairgrounds in a safe, sanitary vehicle through IntelliRide.

Essential Workers
Essential workers (grocery store and pharmacy employees, food handlers, mail carriers, etc.) can get tested for free.

Business owners providing essential services can call (313) 230-0505, register their company and receive an access code. Their employees then should call (313) 230-0505 anytime between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday – Sunday and provide the code to schedule a test.  These employees will not need a doctor’s prescription for the test, and do not have to be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

The free testing will continue at the Fairgrounds with as many as 2000 tests being administered daily.

For more information on how to get an appointment for COVID-19 testing at the State Fairgrounds, go to detroitmi.gov/coronavirus.

Violators of the Governor’s executive orders to stay home, practice physical distancing and avoid public gatherings
could be fined up to $1000.

Health Department Hotline

• A healthcare provider with a possible COVID-19 positive patient
• An individual who suspects they have COVID-19

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/
• State of Michigan at http://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus

Meals Available for Detroit Families and Seniors
For information on locations, go to detroitmi.gov/food.

Need Your Water Turned On?
During the COVID-19 outbreak, Detroiters living in households with no water service can sign up for the Water Restart Plan to restore service and keep their water flowing for only $25 per month. Thousands are already participating: sign up here!

Income Tax Deadline now July 15
The City of Detroit has pushed back the deadline for residents and non residents who must file City income taxes to July 15.