Oakland County moves COVID drive-thru testing sites ahead of winter

Oakland County is moving its free COVID-19 tests to new sites meant to provide shelter from harsh winter weather.

Officials announced on Friday that existing COVID-19 test sites will move to new locations in Holly, Rochester, Southfield and Pontiac starting Monday, November 30.

COVID-19 tests will be available by appointment only Monday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the following address new sites:

• Mondays: Old Holly Fire Station, 313 S. Broad St, Holly
• Tuesdays: Rochester Fire Station, 277 E. Second St, Rochester
• Wednesdays: Southfield Town Hall Employee Parking Lot, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield
• Thursdays: Pontiac fire station, 348 boulevard Sud Ouest, Pontiac

Interested parties should call 800-848-5533 to make an appointment for the COVID-19 test at one of the sites above. An appointment is required, but a prescription or doctor’s note is not required to get tested.

Oakland County’s COVID-19 test is free for anyone over the age of 4. Officials say children under the age of 17 must show symptoms of COVID-19 and be a resident of Oakland County or attend county school to be tested.

Officials say a fifth COVID-19 testing site in the county could open in the near future.

• To find more COVID-19 testing sites in Michigan, visit the state’s website here.

Those with health-related questions can call 800-848-5533 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, or visit the county website here for more information. general information on coronaviruses.

People who show symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to get tested and self-quarantine until test results are received to prevent the spread of the virus. Symptoms can develop up to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

Michigan is currently experiencing a peak in the spread of the coronavirus, leading to an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks.

In the state’s latest coronavirus update on Wednesday, Michigan officials reported a total of 324,779 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 8,761 total deaths. Wednesday’s update represents 4,273 new cases and 73 additional deaths since Tuesday.

Testing has increased in recent weeks, with more than 45,000 diagnostic tests reported per day, but the positive rate rose to nearly 13% last week. Hospitalizations have increased steadily over the past five weeks, including increases in intensive care and ventilator use.

See more Michigan COVID-19 data here.

How COVID-19 is spread

Person-to-person spread

The virus is believed to be spread mainly from person to person.

• Between people who are in close contact with each other (about six feet away).
• By respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can anyone spread the virus without getting sick?

• Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who do not have symptoms can still carry the virus and can still pass it on to other people.

Spread by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It is possible that a person could contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object containing the virus and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the primary route of the virus. virus. spreads.

The ease with which the virus spreads

The ease with which a virus spreads from person to person can vary. Some viruses are very contagious (spread easily), such as measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, continuously spreading without stopping.

Prevention and treatment

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent the disease is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC still recommends daily preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including:

• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Click here for more CDC guidelines.

People who believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare professional immediately.

Question about the coronavirus? Ask Dr McGeorge here.

Learn more about COVID-19 here.