MDHHS partners with Huron-Clinton Metroparks to offer no cost, drive-thru COVID-19 testing

Lake St. Clair Metropark in Macomb County to pilot testing program May 14-15 to help reach more Michiganders.

To help expand COVID-19 testing in unique ways, advance public health and mitigate the spread of the virus, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will offer free, drive-thru rapid tests at Lake St. Clair Metropark in mid-May.

The no-cost rapid antigen tests will be offered Friday, May 14, and Saturday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to noon at Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township. Results will be available in as little as 30 minutes. Everyone entering the park during those times will be admitted for free. Additionally, the first 300 individuals receiving a COVID test then will also get a $10 Metroparks gift card that can be used at any one of the 13 unique parks in the system, and put toward anything from a daily pass to an equipment rental or ice cream at the Farm Center.

“MDHHS is pleased to partner with Huron-Clinton Metro Parks to expand free and accessible testing into communities and high-traffic shopping areas. We know one of the most effective ways to manage the spread of COVID-19 is through robust testing,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medial executive and chief deputy for health. “The testing process is quick and easy. Appointments and insurance are not required, and anyone can register on-the-spot. Results are received in 30 minutes or less and sent via text or email.”

“We know the great outdoors and access to nature has been a lifeline for so many of us during the COVID pandemic, and the Metroparks have been honored to be there for residents and visitors alike,” said Metroparks Director Amy McMillan. “Working with MDHHS and our community like this is one key way we can help contribute to public health and safely return to more normal socializing and programming.”

Other highlights of the pilot testing program include:

• Multiple lanes open at the Metropark entrance help prevent traffic slowdowns.
• Entrance to the park will be free to all during the testing hours of 9 a.m. to Noon on May 14-15.
• Testing participants will stay in their cars as they wait and pass through the testing lanes.
• There is no cost for the test, no health insurance card required, and no appointment necessary, though pre-registration is available and encouraged at http://honumg.info/StClairMetropark
• Testing is available to any person, of any age, from any community during the designated time period at Lake St. Clair Metropark. Though testing is not recommended for those who may have already had a positive COVID-19 test in the last 90 days or those who have already been fully vaccinated and aren’t experiencing any symptoms.
• The tests will be administered by MDHHS testing partner Honu and its trained health professionals.
• The tests are the rapid antigen tests with results generally available within 30 minutes via text, email or uploaded to a visitor’s patient portal.
• The first 300 individuals tested will receive a free $10 Metroparks gift card to be used at any one of the system’s 13 parks – whether acquiring a daily pass, putting toward the cost of an annual pass, or using for another service or equipment rental.

McMillan noted that interest and outcomes – as well as various park layout and logistics – will help guide whether the testing program may be expanded to other Metroparks.

Visitors to the Metroparks are reminded of the COVID-19 precautions in place – including social distancing, capacity limits and face masks where noted – to help keep park patrons and staff safe and the properties open and available for all to use. More information can be found at Metroparks.com.

For more information, or to take advantage of the pre-registration opportunity, visit https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_104699_104714-554722–,00.html