The City of Detroit is expanding its capacity for COVID-19 rapid testing to 1,000 appointments per day with the addition of a second location at TCF Center (now Huntington Place) for those who live or work in Detroit. The measures were outlined by Mayor Mike Duggan, Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo and Medical Director Robert Dunne at a news briefing Jan. 5.

Expanded Testing
TCF/Huntington Place is open for rapid antigen testing Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The move comes amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases statewide caused by the Omicron variant.

Rapid molecular testing continues at the Joseph Walker Williams Center at 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd., Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Appointments are required for testing at both sites and may be scheduled by calling (313) 230-0505.

Mask Guidance
The Detroit Health Department also is offering new guidance on masks: K-N95 and 3-ply paper masks (commonly known as surgical masks and readily available) offer a higher level of protection than cloth or fashion masks against the highly contagious Omicron variant. Fabric masks hold moisture which can transmit virus particles rather than act as a barrier.

Residents Still Encouraged to Get Vaccinated
The City of Detroit is offering vaccinations to everyone ages five and older, plus boosters to everyone ages 16 and older, at locations across the city that offer drive-through, extended hours and Saturday hours. Walk-ins are welcome at most locations (except for pediatric vaccinations). For details or to make an appointment at any location, call (313) 230-0505.

Detroiters also may text their address to (313) 217-3732 to find the location and type of vaccine offered nearest them or visit: www.detroitmi.gov, or call (313) 230-0505.

City Offices Remain Open
Officials also emphasized that all City offices remain open to the public.  Under the new State of Michigan guidelines for open meetings, City Council and all City boards and commissions must meet in person. Those in-person meetings are open to the public, but they are being conducted via Zoom to allow public participation without health risk.

To read the news release, go to detroitmi.gov/news.

City of Detroit hosts swearing-in for elected officials Jan. 7

The City of Detroit is hosting a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected and re-elected officials on Friday, Jan. 7 at 10 a.m.  The ceremony is virtual as a result of the recent rise in COVID infections.

• Comcast channels 10 & 21 (Detroit only) and AT&T Channel 99
• City of Detroit Website at www.detroitmi.gov (Channels 10 & 21)
• City of Detroit Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CityOfDetroit
• YouTube: www.Youtube.com/c/cityofdetroit