To improve access to COVID-19 testing in Genesee County, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Kroger Health are opening a free COVID-19 testing site at Mott Community College, in Flint.
The testing location is moving from Grand Blanc High School to the college. The new location opens June 12 in the Mott Community College Parking Lot S at Robert T. Longway Boulevard and Horrigan Drive. Hours will be 12-6 p.m., Wednesdays to Saturdays.
The new site-operated by the healthcare arm of Kroger-will offer drive-thru and walk-up testing. There are no restrictions on testing. So, community members are not required to have COVID-19 symptoms to be tested.
Test results are expected within approximately 48 hours, and the location will be able to provide up to 250 tests per day.
“As we reopen Michigan it is critically important to have robust access to testing around the state to understand where the disease is and prevent spread,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.
“We must be responsive to community needs and provide testing where it’s most needed,” Khaldun added. “Kroger has been a valuable partner in our efforts, and we also thank Mott Community College for assisting.”
Genesee County had 2,564 COVID-19 cases and 283 deaths as of 2:41 p.m. June 12.
“We must continue to be proactive in our fight against this deadly virus,” Mayor Sheldon Neeley said.
“We are so appreciative of all the partners coming together to provide this testing opportunity in our community,” Neeley added. “Testing and teamwork are important tools we will continue to utilize to combat the spread of COVID-19.”
While the testing is open to anyone, people who wish to be tested at Mott Community College should first go to KrogerHealth.com/CovidTesting to register and take a short survey. On the website, those interested in testing will need to select the Mott Community College location and an appointment time, and will then receive an email confirmation with pre-appointment paperwork.
Those who choose to have a drive-thru test should have their photo ID ready and leave their windows rolled up for check-in. A Kroger pharmacist will approach the car and alert the individual of when to roll down their window.
The testing location has a self-administered nasal swab that must be observed by a health care professional.
This onsite testing is supported with laboratory services provided by eTrueNorth, a contractor of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Anyone who prefers to be tested elsewhere may call the Michigan coronavirus hotline at 888-535-6136 or visit https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-99891_99912—,00.html.
