Free, walk-in COVID-19 testing events will be in Ottawa and Allegan counties throughout the summer. Testing events will be held daily each Monday through Saturday through the end of September, except for July 4 and Sept. 5.
Testing will be available, for free, for anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19 or has symptoms.
Monday testing will be from 2-7 p.m. at Watermark Church in Grand Haven. Testing will be available from 2-7 p.m. at Church of the Saviour in Coopersville each Tuesday.
Wednesdays and Fridays will have clinics at Allegan County Transportation from noon-5 p.m. Testing will be available from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each Thursday at the OCDPH’s Hudsonville office.
Testing will be offered in Holland 8 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday at the GVSU Holland Campus.
More:Ottawa County beginning distribution of vaccines for children under 5
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Each site will offer PCR and rapid antigen tests via nasal swab. Rapid tests will be available to people with or without symptoms. Rapid test results take 15-30 minutes, while PCR testing takes 48-72 hours.
No doctor’s order or insurance is needed, but those seeking testing should bring a form of ID and wear a face covering. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Although Ottawa County remains in the “low” category for COVID-19 levels from the CDC, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health is remaining cautious and encouraging testing.
“With holidays and large summer gatherings occurring throughout the summer and increased potential for people to get COVID-19 after prior infection, OCDPH is continuing to remain cautious and encouraging the community to get tested for COVID-19,” stated Brooke Elenbaas, OCDPH health communications specialist. “OCDPH is working to minimize barriers to COVID-19 testing. We are offering walk-in options at our COVID-19 testing sites which are located in Coopersville, Grand Haven, Hudsonville and Holland to make COVID-19 testing more convenient for our community members.”
Those interested can pre-register for testing at each site, including Allegan, through the OCDPH website. Elenbaas said the department was asked to help advertise the Allegan County clinics on its website by Honu, the company that handles the online registration.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @SentinelMitch.