Starting May 27, any resident of Wayne, Oakland or Macomb County can get a free COVID-19 test, without a prescription at the State Fairgrounds. Mayor Mike Duggan made the announcement at his news briefing May 27.
Individuals that want to be tested MUST schedule an appointment first by calling (313) 230-0505. The appointment center is open between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday – Sunday
In addition, transportation for Detroit residents who need a ride to the Fairgrounds is still available for $2. Residents will be transported in a safe, sanitary Honda Odyssey van.
The free testing will continue at the Fairgrounds with as many as 2000 tests being administered daily. For more information on COVID-19 testing at the State Fairgrounds, go to detroitmi.gov/coronavirus.
Health Department Continues Testing at Senior Apartment Buildings
The Detroit Health Department (DHD) has tested 2300 residents at 36 senior apartment buildings, said Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair at the Mayor’s briefing May 27. The infection rate continues to remain low at one percent.
The department is scheduled to do testing at another 30 facilities between now and June 5. Testing at senior buildings is expected to be completed by mid-June.
Nursing Home Residents Get Second Test
In addition, DHD will complete its second round of tests on residents at 26 Detroit nursing homes this week. In the initial round, the infection rate was 24 percent. During the second round of testing, the infection rate is less than 10 percent, Fair said.
Crews Nears Completion of Tiger Dam Installation on Detroit’s Lower East Side
The City of Detroit will complete installation of a $3-million temporary dam along the Detroit River and canal seawalls on the lower east side by early June, before water levels are expected to crest. Mayor Mike Duggan and Crystal Perkins, Project Manager & Analytics Specialist for the General Services Department, gave a project update at his COVID-19 briefing May 27.
Last year, the City employed volunteers and General Services Department employees to fill more than 400,000 sand bags. This year, the City pursued another method for trying to control high flood waters: The Tiger Dam™.
With water levels expected to be higher than last year and to crest in mid to late June, the dam is a preventive measure to reduce flooding at 350 homes and streets in the area and protect the Conner Creek wet weather treatment facility from being overwhelmed.
The project started in April, and crews will focus on the final installations at Klenk Island beginning May 28 and on Riverside Blvd. next week.
The Tiger Dam™ System consists of elongated flexible tubes that can be stacked as high as 32 feet, joined end to end for miles, and filled with water. The tubes form a barrier to protect property when flooding occurs.
The installation project involves a team of City employees, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and contractors, following the City’s COVID-19 safe workplace policy.
Detroit Police Department Is Hiring
The Detroit Police Department (DPD) plans to hire 300 police officers over the next year, said Mayor Mike Duggan at his news briefing May 27. In addition to police officers, DPD is looking to fill positions in a number of units.
The Mayor encouraged individuals who have been laid off or furloughed to consider a position with the Department.
Detroit City Council President Pro Tem Mary Sheffield recently announced the donation of 7,000 face masks for inmates, and 6,200 latex gloves and 150 face shields for deputies and staff at the Wayne County Jail by General Motors.
The company donated the items at the request of Councilmember Sheffield to support her new initiative, Masks for Inmates. She worked at the Wayne County Jail for two years as a disciplinary hearing officer before her election to the City Council.
In addition, Councilmember Sheffield announced that her office is now providing fresh produce and frozen meals for seniors at 4-8 senior buildings every week. She talked about the program at Mayor Duggan’s news briefing May 27. The effort is in partnership with Detroit Association of Black Organizations (DABO).
For more information on the food program, individuals can call (313) 224-4505.
Health Department Hotline
Keeping Detroit residents healthy and safe is the number one priority of the Detroit Health Department. Call (313) 876-4000 for guidance 24/7 on next steps if you are:
A healthcare provider with a possible COVID-19 positive patient
Meals Available for Detroit Families and Seniors
For information on locations, go to detroitmi.gov/food.
Need Your Water Turned On? During the COVID-19 outbreak, Detroiters living in households with no water service can sign up for the Water Restart Plan to restore service and keep their water flowing for only $25 per month. Thousands are already participating: sign up here!
Income Tax Deadline now July 15
The City of Detroit has pushed back the deadline for residents and non residents who must file City income taxes to July 15.
Starting May 27, any resident of Wayne, Oakland or Macomb County can get a free COVID-19 test, without a prescription at the State Fairgrounds. Mayor Mike Duggan made the announcement at his news briefing May 27.
The City of Detroit will complete installation of a $3-million temporary dam along the Detroit River and canal seawalls on the lower east side by early June, before water levels are expected to crest. Mayor Mike Duggan and Crystal Perkins, Project Manager & Analytics Specialist for the General Services Department, gave a project update at his COVID-19 briefing May 27.
Detroit City Council President Pro Tem Mary Sheffield recently announced the donation of 7,000 face masks for inmates, and 6,200 latex gloves and 150 face shields for deputies and staff at the Wayne County Jail by General Motors.
Meals Available for Detroit Families and Seniors