COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – With the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announcing the first identified Michigan case of the Omicron variant being found in Kent County, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is asking those who have traveled to Kent County or the Grand Rapids area since December 1, to get tested for COVID-19 and take appropriate steps to monitor your health condition for 14 days.
The agency offers free curbside testing in Hillsdale on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, in Coldwater on Thursdays, and in Three Rivers on Fridays.
Each testing site is open from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
In addition, the Welcome Center on northbound I-69 at mile marker six is open every day from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m..
Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville will host a testing and vaccine clinic on Tuesday, December 14 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m..
Community Health Agency Medical Director Doctor Karen Luparello says, “The Kent County resident who tested positive had been vaccinated, but had not yet received a booster dose. We encourage residents to schedule their booster doses as soon as eligible, six months after a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two months after a Janssen/Johnson & Johnson dose. All residents age 18 and over are currently eligible for a booster dose. The agency will announce when booster doses are available for those ages 16 & 17 in the coming days. Vaccination is proven to reduce symptom severity, prevent hospitalizations, and deaths. Our hospitals continue to report resources that are strained with unvaccinated residents who require inpatient services. Mask use is highly recommended when in public areas where social distancing is not possible, no matter your vaccination status. We know what we need to do to reduce the spread of COVID, wash hands frequently, mask up in public places, cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue or your elbow, and stay home if you feel ill. I encourage everyone to practice COVID prevention so that we may all have a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.”
Health Officer Rebecca Burns says, “The agency has been increasing capacity by offering additional testing days in high positivity areas, extending vaccination clinic hours, and increasing capacity with additional vaccinators to accommodate as many residents as possible for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and booster doses. Local hospitals, physician offices, and pharmacies can also provide testing and vaccination. Please seek testing or vaccination at a location that is convenient for you as soon as possible. Information on additional community resources can be found at www.bhsj.org/coronavirus or at vaccine.gov. Appointments for vaccination at the Health Agency can be made at www.bhsj.org/scheduling.”
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