Free COVID-19 tests offered at Traverse City Central High School on day after Spring Break

From staff reports

On Monday, April 5, Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) will host a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at Traverse City Central High School (1150 Milliken Dr.) from noon to 7 p.m. The entrance will be in the parking lot area near the school’s main gymnasium, which is located off of Eastern Ave. Click here to register.

Those returning from Spring Break this past week who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and those exhibiting symptoms are encouraged to get tested before returning to school and work. Virus variants, particularly the B.1.1.7 variant that is walloping Britain and continental Europe, is rising exponentially in the United States—particularly in Florida and Michigan—reports The New York Times. Florida is a prime Spring Break destination for Michiganders. As of March 13, the variant accounted for about 27 percent of new cases nationwide, up from just 1 percent in early February. Two cases of the B.1.1.7 variant were recently identified In Grand Traverse County.

COVID-19 tests are available to anyone in the community and are being offered through a partnership between the Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and Honu Management Group, which provides COVID-19 testing services on behalf of MDHHS.

Click here to register for a drip-up test on Monday at Central High School. Registered individuals and families may visit the testing clinic at any time between noon and 7 p.m. Those who do not pre-register will still be able to register at the site. However, individuals who have pre-registered will be able to immediately enter the line to be tested. You will be asked to provide your email and/or phone number in order to receive test results through a testing portal. 

The tests conducted will be rapid antigen tests (BinaxNOW COVID-19  test). Rapid antigen test results will be returned within 30 minutes. Anyone who tests positive on the rapid antigen test or who has symptoms will then be provided a PCR test to confirm the results. PCR test results will take approximately 3 days to process. Additional information and instructions will be provided at the testing site.