The Michigan National Guard will do free community testing for COVID-19 in Allegan this weekend. The State Emergency Operations Center has released the following statement:
The Michigan National Guard will continue its partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and local health departments to offer COVID-19 testing Saturday, August 8 in the communities of Watersmeet and Allegan.
Testing in Watersmeet will be held at Northern Waters Casino, 5384 US-45, Watersmeet, MI 49969 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Central time).
Testing in Allegan will be held at Allegan County Human Services, 3255 122nd Ave. #300, Allegan, MI 49010 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Both sites will offer drive-through testing at no cost to the public. Appointments are not required.
The Michigan National Guard has more than 20 trained testing teams ready to assist with community COVID-19 testing initiatives. These three-member teams include a certified medic to conduct the testing and two members to assist with paperwork, logistics, and non-medical tasks. All team members from the Michigan National Guard have tested negative for COVID-19 and have been following strict medical protocols to ensure health and safety and to protect Michigan communities.
“As Michiganders continue the fight against COVID-19, the Michigan National Guard remains proud to offer no-cost COVID-19 testing in cities across the state, which has proven to be one of the best ways to assess the level of risk to our communities,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “While widespread testing provides important data, the most effective way to stop the spread of the virus is to remain steadfast and disciplined in our adherence to risk mitigation guidance from public health officials, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and frequent sanitization.”
The MING has been actively engaged in the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic through widespread testing and screening, distribution of personal protective equipment, and assistance at numerous food banks across the state. The community testing initiative is a continuation of those efforts.
Similar testing has been held in more than 30 other communities over the past two months.
