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Since the first detection of the Omicron variant on Dec. 1, 2021, COVID-19 cases in the United States have skyrocketed. Every state has been struggling to safely keep businesses and schools open. Larger areas like Detroit are especially struggling with this.

Of the 2,564,577 citizens of Detroit, around 112,432 people are currently infected with COVID-19, and 3,000 of those new cases resulted in death. Mayor Mike Duggan is taking the situation very seriously and is doing everything within his power to avoid a citywide shutdown. The city of Detroit tests about 1,000 people per day to catch cases early and limit the spread of the virus.

Although mask regulations have been relaxed in most restaurants and indoor entertainment businesses, it is still important to take advantage of all prevention methods such as social distancing, disinfecting public surfaces, and getting vaccinated. Data from South Africa and the United Kingdom shows that without the vaccine booster, the effectiveness of the two vaccine doses against the omicron variant decreases to 35%. But research shows that once an individual gets a booster shot, the effectiveness of the vaccine is restored to 75%.

Amazingly, over half of Detroit citizens have already taken the initiative to begin the vaccine process: 55.8% of the Detroit population is fully vaccinated and 59.4% of people have received at least one dose.

Whether you are unvaccinated, fully vaccinated, or waiting to receive your booster shot, it is important to stay up to date on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulations. These are put in place to ensure the safety of everyone, regardless of their stance on COVID-19 mandates.

Current CDC guidelines and recommendations:

• Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus and are unvaccinated or who have only received a dose should quarantine for five days followed by five days of a strict mask regimen.
• If you were exposed to the coronavirus and you have received your booster, you do not need to quarantine but you do need to wear a well-fitting mask for ten days and get tested on the fifth day.
• Everyone is recommended to always wear a mask in public indoor places.

Stay up to date on CDC guidelines here.

Stay up to date on your community’s COVID-19 case numbers here, and watch the percentage of people in your community who get vaccinated grow here.

Available Testing Sites in Detroit

If you think you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who tested positive, here are some places in Detroit you can get tested.

• Huntington Place (89 Yzerman Drive) | Open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Joseph Walker Williams Rec Center (8431 Rosa Parks Blvd.) | Open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Both sites are 100% free and require individuals to schedule appointments to ensure their facilities are not overpopulated. You can call to schedule an appointment at 313-230-0505.

To find additional testing in Southeast Michigan, click here.

Written by Ainsley King, Detroit Regional Chamber