Great Lakes Wire

As fall begins, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging residents to utilize available COVID-19 testing options. The department highlights the availability of free at-home tests through the federal government’s COVID-19 tests website and reminds residents about additional state-specific 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 visit COVIDTests.gov to sign up for up to four free at-home tests per household, delivered via the U.S. Postal Service.

Additional testing options in Michigan include:

Neighborhood Wellness Centers, formerly known as Neighborhood Testing Sites, which provide on-site COVID-19 and influenza testing and distribute free at-home COVID-19 tests.

MDHHS's partnership with libraries across the state continues to offer free at-home COVID-19 tests. A list of participating libraries is available online.

MDHHS encourages Michigan families to have a personalized COVID plan that includes:

Keeping a supply of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests and well-fitting masks at home.

Getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Consulting a healthcare provider about eligibility for therapeutics that reduce severe disease risk for those who test positive.

Staying home if sick and learning more about Respiratory Virus Protection Strategies.