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Free Covid-19 home tests are available in Detroit and hard-hit parts of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
(Photo: DepositPhotos)
They'll be sent on request to residents in certain Zip codes under a state partnership with a New York foundation. Those who qualify can order one kit with five tests at this Project Act site. (Enter a Zip code to check eligibility.)
The state health department identified eligible communities using a "social vulnerability index" from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Covid prevalence data to identify high-risk areas. They include parts of five other counties: Berrien, Genesee, Kent, Muskegon and Saginaw.
The tests should arrive in Amazon packaging within one to two weeks. Additional tests should be available in the future.
Meijer gives out tests, too
The Meijer chain also offers at-home Covid PCR tests without charge at its pharmacies. The program announced Monday is managed through a partnership with eTrueNorth, a testing company.
To pick up a test, first register at www.ineedacovid19test.com. After completing an online assessment and selecting a Meijer location, applicants get a voucher that that can be printed or shown on a phone. After using a nasal swab to get a specimen, the swab is returned that day in a provided bag to a drop box at the same Meijer pharmacy.
Specimens are sent to a lab for a PCR analysis, with results expected within 48 to 72 hours via email. The service is available Monday through Friday.
Belated school year start
Flint Community Schools pupils are expected to be in classrooms next week for the first time since before Christmas. "We have closely monitored community Covid-19 case rates," says Superintendent Kevelin Jones. "With the recent decline, we are optimistic that we will be able to safely bring scholars back to in-person learning on Monday, Feb. 7."
Flint and Detroit have been among the few all-virtual districts in Michigan this year. Detroit reopened yesterday.
