Gov. Whitmer expands COVID-19 testing

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Tuesday that expands the type of medical personnel who can order a COVID-19 test and allows residents to be tested without an advance order and without any out of pocket costs.

“We need to keep working to expand testing, which is why it is crucial that Michiganders who have COVID-19 symptoms, even mild ones, or have been in contact with someone who has the virus can get tested,” Governor Whitmer said. “This Executive Order will pave the way for more community testing sites to open as we work towards our goal of 15,000 tests administered daily in Michigan. We owe it to the real heroes of this crisis — medical workers, first responders and other essential workers — to do what we can to stop the spread of the virus.”

The new order means anyone who leaves their home for work or has symptoms can get a test without a doctor's order in advance.

If you want to be tested, call the Michigan coronavirus hotline at 1-888-535-6136 or visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirustest to find a testing location.

Michiganders eligible for testing include someone who:

• Exhibits any symptom of COVID-19, including mild symptoms
• Has been exposed to a person with COVID-19
• Has been working outside their home for at least 10 days
• Resides in any congregate setting, such as a long-term care facility, prison or jail, homeless shelter, or migrant camp