Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive order that allows pharmacists, nurses, and physician assistants to authorize COVID-19 tests.
It also says Michigan residents can not be charged out-of-pocket costs for the test.
“This creates a new category of community testing sites that offer testing to anyone with reason to be tested without an advance order and without charging out-of-pocket costs to any Michigander,” says Whitmer.
The order says people seeking a test must display at least one symptom, been in physical contact with an infected person, or been working away from home for more than 10 days.
“If you fit this advanced criteria, I hope you will find a test site near you and go get tested,” says Whitmer.
The state Department of Health and Human Services reports the pace of new infections has slowed dramatically.
But it says the reliability of that data requires as many people as possible getting the tests.
“One of the most powerful tools that we have in the fight against this virus is widespread testing. We need to keep working to expand testing and require people who test positive to isolate from others,” says Whitmer.
The governor has also ordered food assistance for 350,000 families to be extended to help mitigate the economic impact of the crisis.
The governor’s latest travel and gathering restrictions are in place until June 12th.
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