MDHHS reminds residents about COVID-19 testing options

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 1, 2024
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS reminds Michigan residents about
available COVID-19 testing options
Residents urged to stay home if sick to prevent spread of respiratory diseases

LANSING, Mich. – As fall begins, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages Michiganders to get free COVID-19 at-home tests through the federal government’s COVID-19 tests website and reminds residents about additional Michigan-specific testing resources.

“We encourage Michigan families to take advantage of the free COVID tests being provided to reduce the risk of spreading the virus,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “And although it is important to test for COVID, families should also consider other respiratory diseases including RSV and influenza as we head into fall and winter when these diseases are most commonly spread. Please stay home if you are sick, even if you have a negative COVID test.”

All U.S. residents can go to COVIDTests.gov to sign up to receive up to four free at-home tests per household delivered via the U.S. Postal Service.

Additional testing options in Michigan include:

• For Michiganders who are thinking about plans for on-site testing, Michigan.gov/COVIDTest remains in place to assist in locating a testing location.
• Neighborhood Wellness Centers, formerly Neighborhood Testing Sites, are providing on-site COVID-19 and influenza testing and distributing free at-home COVID-19 tests.
• MDHHS also continues to partner with libraries across the state to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests to Michiganders. Click here for a list of participating libraries.

MDHHS encourages Michigan families to have a COVID plan that works for them. This may include:

• Keeping a supply of COVID-19 over-the-counter tests and well-fitting masks at home.
• Getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
• Speaking to a health care provider about eligibility for therapeutics that reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 disease for those who test positive.
• Staying home if sick and learning more about Respiratory Virus Protection Strategies.