Michigan unveils new COVID-19 testing locations at welcome centers, airport

Slone Terranella
Detroit Free Press

People who are traveling can now be tested for COVID-19 at specific airports and welcome centers across Michigan 

Starting April 23, testing trailers for COVID-19 will be located at the Dundee Welcome Center in Petersburg and the Monroe Welcome Center located along Interstate 75. A testing station is also located inside Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, which has been open since April 7.  

The Michigan Department of Transportation Welcome Center in Monroe.

Additional sites will be announced as they are confirmed, a news release said. The tests are free and results are available in 15 minutes.

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“I encourage all Michiganders to continue masking up, socially distancing and hand washing to slow the spread, and if you re-enter or travel across the state, get tested at one of the new sites being set up at key points. Finally, I encourage you to get vaccinated, which is the most effective way to keep you and your family safe and put this pandemic behind us," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a news release.

Insurance is not required to be tested, and results are obtained through text, email or uploaded to the traveler’s patient portal, a news release said. Walk-ups are taken, but the state encourages people to register for an appointment online. 

“We are excited to provide space at our select Welcome Centers for immediate COVID-19 testing,” State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said. “Our Welcome Centers are a gateway to thousands of travelers coming into the state each day, making them ideal locations to help prevent the spread of this horrible virus. Just look out for the COVID testing signs before the appropriate centers along the freeways.”   

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services partnered with the Michigan Department of Transportation and select Michigan airports to create the testing centers, a news release said.

“With growing concerns of new, more contagious variants, testing for COVID-19 is more important than ever. If you are engaging in any travel, we encourage you to take advantage of this testing when you re-enter or travel across the state," Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said. 

To learn more about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance on travel and additional safety measures, click here. 

Contact Slone Terranella: STerranella@freepress.com and follow her on Twitter @SloneTerranella. 

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