DETROIT (WXYZ) — Drive-thru testing resumed in Detroit on Monday morning with cars lining up down the block as early as 6.
"Once I was able to get the prescription, that’s the hardest part is getting doctors to get the prescription. My physician was supportive, so I got one and I was able to get tested. We didn’t wait long at all," said Amy Macey of Grosse Pointe, who was tested Monday.
The testing site is by appointment only, and is open Monday through Saturday; it has the capacity to test up to 400 people per day over the next six weeks.
We’re live at the regional drive-thru testing site at the old Michigan State Fairgrounds this morning, where #COVID19 testing continues (by appointment only) starting at 7 a.m. @wxyzdetroit pic.twitter.com/xCYhMqOPow
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) March 30, 2020
On Monday, Gov. Whitmer addressed the state's ongoing efforts to secure additional money and resources to fight COVID-19.
"Over the weekend, we received a shipment of 112,000 N95 masks from the Strategic National Stockpile, with another eight thousand on the way. Again, this is good news, but we still need more," Whitmer said, noting that some Detroit hospitals can go through 10,000 masks on a daily basis.
Gov. Whitmer also unveiled a new state website for volunteers needed during this pandemic, especially those with medical training.
"We expect a great need for additional medical support in the coming days, so we ask please sign up now," she said.
Already, Michigan has spent $80 million in securing the following supplies:
-20 mil + masks
-2,000 + ventilators
-Nearly 9 million ounces of hand sanitizer
-255,000+ boxes of gloves
-2.4 mil gowns
-2,000+ beds
-210,000 testing kits
-3,000 thermometers
-185,000 face shields
-22,000 cartons disinfecting wipes
Gov. Whitmer announced Monday two supplemental state budgets to move money around in the midst of this health crisis. She said the state will commit $150 million in the fight against COVID-19, and will not spend extra taxpayers dollars unless they are focused on this pandemic.
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