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Duggan says city is working to test all Detroiters for COVID-19

Posted at 3:18 PM, Mar 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-30 15:19:07-04

DETROIT (WXYZ) — Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says the city is working to make sure every Detroiter can received a COVID-19 test.

He is asking physician who is willing to take new patients for testing to call 313-361-0093 and volunteer. He is hoping to have that information ready by 3:00 p.m. Tuesday.

"We have got to be able to tie every single Detroiter to a doctor with a single phone call," Duggan said.

Duggan said the city is also working to get people who do not have transportation to the testing site at the Michigan State Fairgrounds. Duggan says the facility has the ability to test 700 people at the facility a day.

Duggan says they are working on a process for transportation companies to bring people to the fairgrounds for testing. Anyone who want to provide transportation to those who need it can also call 313-361-0093 to volunteer.

Duggan says Detroit has also worked out a deal where the city will be among the first to receive an instant COVID-19 test that was approved by the FDA on Friday. The test will be used to test first responders who have exposure to COVID-19. The test was developed by AVID labs.

The mayor also spoke about the situation at the Detroit Police Department, saying he spoke with Chief Craig, who is firmly in charges.

Duggan said 69 employees of DPD and 8 employees of the Detroit Fire Department who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Duggan also said this weekend saw the smallest number of new quarantines in the DPD in 10 days, with 17 on Saturday and 20 on Sunday.

As of today, 493 officers and 105 civilian employees are currently under quarantine. There are also 109 members of the fire department are currently quarantined. All of them will be taken through the test site in the next two days.

Those who need treatment will get it. Those who test negative will then be able to return to duty.

Duggan also said more than 100 officers are getting ready to return to duty from quarantine.

He also said the crime rate in the city is 40% below the week before.

Mayor Duggan also announced the Greektown Casino will donate their hotel rooms to police officers, firefighters and EMTs who have people at home who are vulnerable to COVID-19 a place to stay beginning tonight.

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

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