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Spectrum Health tightens requirements for COVID testing

Posted at 6:20 PM, Nov 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-13 18:31:38-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — As supplies run short nationwide, Spectrum Health announced new requirements for people to be tested for COVID-19 Friday.

The health care company says appointments are now required for testing and they will not be able to accommodate walk-ins or drive-ins. Emergency Departments, Urgent Care or Walk-in-Clinics are no longer able to administer tests.

The new requirements begin immediately. Spectrum Health tells FOX 17 they will continue to keep an eye on the supplies needed for safe and accurate testing, and will adjust their plans as the second surge continues. Anyone in need of testing can visit Spectrum Health here. People who think they may be asymptomatic can find information from the State of Michigan website.

This announcement comes as Kalamazoo hospitals say they are seeing a surprising number of patients. A pulmonary ICU doctor in Grand Rapids told FOX 17 the virus is "spreading like wildfire."