Free Community COVID-19 Testing Events in Allegan Offered as Cases Double
Source: Allegan County Health Department
As COVID-19 cases in Allegan County have doubled in the past two weeks, Allegan County Health Department has worked to secure free COVID-19 testing events in Allegan County. COVID-19 testing (not antibody test) is available to individuals of any age, regardless of symptoms. Individuals under the age of 18 will need parent/ guardian consent. Children under the age of five may be turned away. Please call (269) 686-4546 closer to the event to confirm if there is an age requirement. You do not have to bring a lab order to be tested. An interpreter will be on site and available.
“About 1 in 5 Allegan County COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic, meaning they have no symptoms yet they test positive,” states Health Officer Angelique Joynes, MPH, RN. “If you’ve been out and about within the community—either going to work or attending social gatherings, it would be a good idea to get tested. This can help avoid unintentionally spreading the illness to someone you care about.”
The testing events will be on the following Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Allegan County Transportation Building located at 750 Airway Dr, Allegan.
- Saturday, November 7
- Saturday, November 21
- Saturday, December 5
- Saturday, December 19
Individuals in need of transportation can call Allegan County Transportation (ACT) at (269) 673-4229 before noon the day before the event for no charge.
In the event of severe weather, ACHD will cancel testing events for the protection of staff and residents. Please check our Facebook page @AlleganCountyHD for any event cancellation notices the day of the event.
“In the past two weeks, 40 percent of Allegan County cases have an unknown source of infection, which leads us to believe it is community spread. We cannot let our guard down now,” Allegan County Medical Director Dr. Richard Tooker, MD said. “So mask up, wash your hands, practice social distancing, and stay home when feeling sick.”
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or shortness of breath, should seek testing as well as those working with the public, living in congregate living facilities or have potentially been exposed. For more information about whether or not you should be tested, call the ACHD COVID-19 Hotline at (269) 686-4546. The hotline is operating Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find more information regarding testing availability at www.michigan.gov/coronavirustest.
