Kent County expands COVID-19 testing

Kent County expands COVID-19 testing
Potter's House Christian School is one of four new testing sites in Kent County. <strong>Courtesy Kent County Health Department</strong>

The Kent County Health Department is making COVID-19 community testing more available by opening four testing sites.

“Expanding COVID-19 testing in Kent County is important,” said Christopher Bendekgey, KCHD community clinical services director. “We wanted to establish sites in the geographic areas where we are seeing the highest incidents of positive cases and where individuals have less access to transportation.”

The sites, designated as drive-thru and walk-through clinics, are located at:

Drive-thru sites:

  • Kent County Health Department Main Clinic: 700 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon until Sept. 1
  • Kent County Health Department South Clinic: 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon until Sept. 1

Walk-through sites:

  • Potter’s House Christian School: 810 Van Raalte Drive SW, Grand Rapids, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon until Aug. 1
  • Baxter Community Health Center: 958 Baxter St. SE, Grand Rapids, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-4 p.m., until Sept. 1

The testing is available to individuals over the age of six months who:

  • Live in a community impacted by COVID-19
  • Have a known exposure to a person with confirmed COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19
  • Work in a job that puts them at high risk for exposure like jail, homeless shelters, nursing homes or assisted living facilities, food processing facilities, or any business that limits the ability to practice social distancing or has repeated close contact with the public

People are encouraged to register for testing at accesskent.com/health/covid-19-testing.htm or by calling (616) 632-7200.

No insurance or identification is needed to receive the free test; however, people who have health insurance are asked to bring their insurance cards. Individuals must wear a mask when arriving at a testing location.

The test is administered by inserting a small swab into the nose and gently collecting nasal secretions from the back of the nose and throat. It can cause mild discomfort but is a quick procedure. Results should be available within three to five business days. If positive, individuals will receive further information from the KCHD.