Oakland County is relocating its no-cost COVID-19 testing to new sites intended to provide shelter from incoming winter weather.
Officials announced Friday that existing COVID-19 testing sites will move to new locations in Holly, Rochester, Southfield and Pontiac beginning Monday, Nov. 30.
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COVID-19 testing will be available by appointment only between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the following new sites:
- Mondays: Old Holly Fire Station, 313 S. Broad St, Holly
- Tuesdays: Rochester Fire Station, 277 E. Second St, Rochester
- Wednesdays: Southfield City Hall Employee Parking Deck, 26000 Evergreen Rd, Southfield
- Thursdays: Pontiac Fire Station, 348 South Blvd W., Pontiac
Interested individuals should call 800-848-5533 to make an appointment for COVID-19 testing at one of the above sites. An appointment is required, but a prescription or doctor’s note is not required to receive testing.
Oakland County COVID-19 testing is free to anyone over the age of 4 years old. Officials say that children under the age of 17 must have COVID-19 symptoms and either be a resident of Oakland County or attend school in the county in order to be tested.
Officials say a fifth COVID-19 testing site in the county may open in the near future.
Those with health-related questions can call 800-848-5533 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, or visit the county’s website here for more general coronavirus information.
Individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are encouraged to get tested and 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 spike in coronavirus spread, leading to an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks.
In state’s latest coronavirus update Wednesday, Michigan officials reported a total of 324,779 confirmed COVID-19 cases 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 has increased to near 13% over the last week. Hospitalizations have increased steadily for the last five weeks, including upticks in critical care and ventilator use.
See more Michigan COVID-19 data here.
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.