Health department provides free COVID-19 tests in Gaylord
GAYLORD — Given the large numbers of residents congregating to support clean-up efforts and the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan was distributing free at-home test kits from its mobile clinic in Gaylord this week.
The mobile clinic was stationed in the Walmart parking lot on Wednesday and Thursday. Depending on demand, the mobile unit will be more fluid on Friday (June 3), stopping in busy parking lots to distribute the free tests. Look for the blue and green mobile lab with the health department logo to receive your home test kit.
“We are aware that the extreme devastation of the tornado has increased the risk of exposure to the BA.2 variant,” said Dan Thorell, interim health officer, in a statement. “It has created a need for people to stay in shelters and with friends and family. There are also people uniting to clean up debris, repair homes and businesses, and volunteer with the Otsego County United Way and the American Red Cross. As a result, we have acquired more at-home test kits to ease people’s concerns of having to find or buy them in local stores.”
The mobile clinic — in service since the beginning of the year — helps the health department adapt to the changing needs of residents in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties. As part of the greater emergency preparedness community, the health department is working behind the scenes to support Gaylord WIC recipients who may have lost supplies or their cards, help answer calls from people needing help, and to offer mental health services to those who ask for help processing losses from the tornado.
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“We are part of the Gaylord community. We are here to offer our support in tangible ways,” said Holly Campbell, deputy health officer. “We hope the test kits will help people feel assured and will equip them to make decisions on whether to see their physicians for the anti-viral medications if they test positive.”
The mobile lab was purchased with a grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. It has become a primary tool during the pandemic, being used as a testing clinic and for physical exams.
To determine the location of the mobile unit on Friday, call (800) 432-4121.
Case Count
As of May 31, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan reported Otsego County had 5,920 COVID-19 cases and 102 deaths from the disease.
Antrim County was reporting 4,577 cases and 68 deaths while Charlevoix County had 5,144 cases and 60 deaths. Emmet County had 6,757 cases and 91 deaths.
Statewide, Michigan had 2,527,831 confirmed and probable cases and 36,357 deaths as of Wednesday, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Health department provides free COVID-19 tests in Gaylord
