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WATCH: Detroit mayor to announce expanded COVID-19 testing, plans for businesses reopening

DetroitMayorMikeDugganCoronavirusBriefing
Posted at 12:32 PM, May 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-18 15:19:43-04

(WXYZ) — Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will announce the further expansion of COVID-19 testing during a press conference on Monday afternoon.

Duggan will also unveil a safe reopening playbook and support for small businesses that will be in place ahead of the state moving to phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. Phase 4 includes reopening of retail stores and some offices where employees can't commute.

Last week, Duggan said the city was expanding testing at the fairgrounds to any Detroiter aged 60 and up without a prescription or symptoms. He hoped he would be able to extend it to every Detroiter soon.

On Sunday, there were no coronavirus deaths reported – the first time that happened in the city since late March.
Log of what Duggan said:
2:48 p.m.

Duggan also provided guidence on the Detroit Means Business that can provide small businesses with the tools to prepare them to reopen.

Phase One: Launches Monday, May 18. Business owners can visit the DetroitMeansBusiness.org website today to find:

  • reopening guidelines
  • basic financial resources
  • pre-recorded webinars

Phase Two: Will launch in the next week and provide additional tools in the near future. A call center will soon be available to assist business owners with all facets of the program. Additional resources will include:

  • Access to safe Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), donated by DTE Energy.
  • Technical support on safe procedures, including one-on-one coaching and live webinars.
  • Assistance navigating financial resources.

2:39 p.m

Duggan says, based on what the Governor's plan states, he would expect the city of Detroit would be declared in Phase 4 soon. However, he says he wants a plan in place for when that happens. The "Playbook" provides guidance on protocals for:

  • Testing of employees prior to opening
  • Daily temperature checks and health screening
  • Obtaining and proper use of PPE
  • Social distancing and workspace practices
  • Worksite sanitation protocols, as well as sick and exposure policies
  • Physical changes to workspace, as needed, for safety

2:36 p.m.

Duggan says any Detroiters will be able to get a COVID-19 test at the Michigan Fairgrounds beginning Wednesday. You will just need proof of residency in the city to get a test. No prescription will be necessary. You will need to get an appointment by calling the hotline. You can begin calling today.

2:34 p.m.

Duggan says there have now been 1,263 deaths in the city of Detroit, 20 more deaths since Friday.

2:32 p.m.

Duggan starts out by saying that PepsiCO is making a $600,000 donation to help with Detroit's COVID-19 response.

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

Read our daily Coronavirus Live Blog for the latest updates and news on coronavirus.

Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.

View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.

Find out how you can help metro Detroit restaurants struggling during the pandemic.

See all of our Helping Each Other stories.

See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.