PRESS RELEASE (WHTC-AM/FM) — County health officials are offering free COVID-19 tests — but people may not get test results for up to six days, too late to know for sure they won’t infect family or friends over the Thanksgiving holiday break.
On Twitter, Spring Lake resident and emergency room Dr. Rob Davidson made an appeal to the public, after he said he learned refrigerator trucks are heading to Muskegon County to hold the bodies of those who’ve died during the current COVID-19 surge. He begged people to mask up and practice social distancing and change their Thanksgiving plans — to help doctors and nurses manage the current influx of sick people as well as reduce the on-going spread of the virus, which has so far killed 8,324 Michigan residents, with 134 deaths reported Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020.
“Just help us out,” he said. “Please, please, please do not travel for Thanksgiving. Stay home. Stay within your household. Call you family. Zoom with them. Skype. Whatever. But please, don’t make it worse.”
Ottawa County health officials are appealing to people who go to get free testing — set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, to arrive at 10 a.m. — and not line up well before the testing starts. Those early lines are creating traffic hazards and problems accessing the Ottawa County Road Commission facility,, 12150 Ransom St. in Holland Township. Pre-register online if possible.
Allegan County is hosting free drive-thru COVID-19 tests from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Nov. 21 at the Allegan County Transportation building, 750 Airway drive. People will get a call with test results.
The tests are free to anyone, but those under the age of 18 need permission from a parent or guardian. Everyone is asked to wear a face covering or mask until the test is administered.
People without insurance who need a flu shot can go to Ottawa County’s event today, but must be 19 years old or older.
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