As of 3:30 p.m., Thursday, May 28, Calhoun County has a cumulative total of 358 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD), with a total of 22 deaths attributed to the virus.
Calhoun’s First Mass-Testing Event
Anyone who wants to get tested for COVID-19 in Calhoun County can do so this weekend.
Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD) is teaming up with the Michigan National Guard and the Michigan State Police to provide free testing to all Calhoun County residents.
This widespread testing event will provide no-cost COVID-19 tests to any resident, regardless of whether they're exhibiting symptoms or have been exposed to a positive coronavirus case.
“We anticipate this is the first testing event among many,” said CCPHD Health Officer Eric Pessell. “Our staff has worked to identify where in the community needs better access to testing.”
The City of Albion has lacked local access to testing and was selected by the Governor’s office for this collaborative testing event.
All Calhoun County residents are welcome to attend this mass-testing event. Here’s what you need to know:
- When: Testing will take place between 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31
- Where: Opportunity High School (225 E Watson St, Albion, MI 49224)
- Cost: Testing is free
- Please note: All participants are asked to wear a face covering and maintain social distancing
Testing involves collecting mucus from your nose or throat. It is collected with a cotton swab. It might feel a little weird, but it won’t hurt. The collected sample will be sent to a laboratory where it will be examined for the virus. The analysis process will take a few days to determine if the sample has tested positive for the virus (meaning you are sick with COVID-19) or negative (meaning at that time of the test you were not sick with COVID-19).
“The real heavy lift for us is the follow-up for those folks—a CCPHD staff member will be calling every single person that comes through the event to let them know their results," said Pessell. “But it’s a priority of the Health Department to continue strengthening our capacity for testing so as people go back to work, we can respond quickly to a problem and stop it before it becomes another outbreak.”
Community Action Services
Community Action in Battle Creek serves neighbors who live in Barry, Branch, Calhoun, and St. Joseph counties, targeting programs to specific needs in those communities for people living in poverty.
During COVID-19, Community Action continues to provide services – please call them at 877-422-2726 for help with any of the following needs:
- Utility services – gas, electric, water, deliverable fuels
- Minor home repair – emergency repairs like those for a furnace or water heater
- Burial services – related to COVID-19
- Housing services – rent, mortgage assistance, and property taxes
To be eligible for these services, you need a virtual intake application, income documentation for the last 30 days, and identification and Social Security card, if possible. An eligible household must be at or below 200% poverty for the last 30 days.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) in Calhoun County
The Logistics and Sustainability Joint Operations Center workgroup continues its hard work to acquire and distribute personal protective equipment to those in Calhoun County who need it.
Those with access to PPE items for purchase or donation can contact this team with information. We continue to need nitrile gloves and sanitizing wipes. Right now, countywide supply of face masks, face shields and hand sanitizer are stable.
