During his weekly Monday press conference, Mayor Mike Duggan announced new measures for COVID-19 testing, as well as new resources for small businesses in the city of Detroit. Joining the Mayor for the talk were Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair, Bedrock Detroit CEO Matt Cullen, DTE Vice Chairman and Chief Administration Officer Dave Meador and Detroit small business owner Clement “Fame” Brown of Three Thirteen Clothes.
“I am really pleased to announce, what has been my goal from day one, that we will now be opening as of Wednesday, testing for every single Detroiter who wants a test at the fairgrounds,” shared Mayor Duggan during his press conference. “You don’t have to have a prescription, you don’t have to have a doctor, you don’t have to have symptoms, starting Wednesday, anybody who’s a resident of the city of Detroit can go to the fairgrounds and get a free test, and we are one of the few places in the country and certainly the only place in Michigan, where every single resident can get tested.”
ACCESSING COVID-19 TESTING
As the Mayor stated, the offer for COVID-19 testing stands for any Detroit resident regardless of whether they have symptoms, access to a healthcare plan, or have already spoken with a doctor. The Mayor also stated that should anyone seeking coronavirus testing lack the means to get them to the fairgrounds, transportation will be provided as needed.
For those seeking to be tested, you will need to call (313) 230-0505 to make an appointment starting Wednesday. All residents will need to bring some form of documentation showing you live in the city to be eligible for free testing. Please visit the City of Detroit’s website for more information on COVID-19 testing.
RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Another topic of discussion for the weekly press conference was the status of when businesses may reopen in Detroit. While the Mayor could give no specific date, he did say that the city is making progress toward entering Phase 4 of Govoner Whitmer’s reopening strategy. Once she gives the word, retail businesses and offices should be ready to begin resuming work.
As more businesses begin to reopen, the City of Detroit wants to ensure that all information is available and to make the process easier, they have set up a playbook with guidelines and practices businesses should be following. This includes temperature checks, the mandatory wearing of masks for employees and customers, as well as distancing inside offices.
More information on the playbook can be found at https://detroitmeansbusiness.org/ and the full press conference from Mayor Duggan can be found here.
As more information about COVID-19 testing and the reopening of Detroit’s businesses becomes available, further updates will be provided. Please check here if you would like to receive weekly updates.
