Michigan residents working the front lines during the coronavirus pandemic are now eligible for COVID-19 testing, whether they’re experiencing symptoms or not.

The Department of Health and Human Services expanded its testing criteria again Monday, April 20 to include all essential workers still reporting to work in-person. That includes anyone working face-to-face with members of the public, from health care workers to grocery store workers.

Expanded testing will help identify asymptomatic cases who may still be spreading the virus as they report to work. Health officials believe as many as 25 to 50 percent of people with COVID-19 might not show symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“This means that anyone with symptoms can get a test as well as any individual regularly interacting with others outside their household, as long as the testing location has the supplies,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s chief medical executive.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to more than double the rate of COVID-19 testing in the state, which public health experts say is key to getting control of the outbreak and getting the economy back on track. However, getting more test kits and testing supplies remains a challenge due to skyrocketing demand and disrupted supply chains.

Michigan is working with local health departments to expand testing in group living facilities with potential exposure.

New drive-thru testing sites are opening up each week. Walmart, Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid are all opening or have opened rapid testing sites across the state to increase testing capacity.

New drive-through coronavirus testing location with on-site results opens in Dearborn

To locate testing sites near you, visit Michigan.gov/CoronavirusTest. Most sites ask that individuals contact them first to schedule an appointment.

In addition to expanded testing, the state has trained 2,000 volunteers in contact tracing, the public health strategy of identifying those affected by the virus and interviewing friends, family members and others near that person about their contacts and symptoms.

The volunteers will soon join 130 MDHHS staff members in aiding local health departments with contact tracing. They will increase the speed and thoroughness of the statewide tracing system, which reached more than 12,000 COVID-positive individuals over the last few weeks, according to health officials.

“Contact tracing is an essential public health tool and will help determine and limit the spread of COVID19 in our state,” Khaldun said. “This effort is also giving Michiganders an important way to contribute to crisis response and we appreciate their willingness to step up for their communities, pitching in selflessly for work that will help us all.”

To sign up to volunteer for public health efforts, visit Michigan.gov/fightcovid19.

As of Monday, Michigan reported 32,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 2,468 deaths associated with the virus.

CORONAVIRUS 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. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

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