DETROIT – Detroit residents are now able to get rides to the coronavirus (COVID-19) test site at the State Fairgrounds for $2.

Anyone who doesn’t have a way to the test site can get a round-trip ride through IntelliRide.

The service will start transporting patients Monday. Residents can begin booking rides Saturday.

People must be getting picked up and dropped off at a Detroit address. Officials said no one will be turned away, even those who cannot afford to pay the $2 at the time of the ride.

Tests at the Fairgrounds are free, but a referral from a doctor is required. Detroit officials said 30 doctors are currently accepting new patients, including patients who don’t have insurance or can’t afford to pay.

Here’s how to get tested:

1. Call Your Doctor to get a prescription. If have symptoms of coughing, fever, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor to get a prescription. If you don’t have a doctor or don’t have insurance, go to the city website at detroitmi.gov and you will find several across the city who will take you now. Need a doctor? Click here.
2. Make a Fairgrounds Appointment. Once your doctor orders a prescription, your test is free.   Call 313.230.0505 to make an appointment – appointments are available in 24-48 hours.
3. Don’t have transportation? Tell the call taker who books your Fairgrounds appointment.  They will connect you directly to the car service to book your $2 ride. The rides are only for Detroiters being picked up and dropped off at a Detroit residence.
4. The day of your test. When your driver arrives, bring your identification (if you don’t have a state issued ID, you can bring any other piece of identification such as a work badge, utility bill, etc.) and your prescription. Both the driver and passenger will be asked to wear masks and gloves for their protection. After the test, the driver will take you back home.

MORE: What the CDC says you should do if you believe you have coronavirus (COVID-19)

How COVID-19 Spreads

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

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

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

• Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

Prevention & Treatment

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

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• 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 going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Click here for more guidelines from the CDC.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.

Read more about coronavirus here.