GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A new Grand Rapids laboratory is expected to increase the state's average daily coronavirus test results by 40%.
The commercial lab can run "upwards" of 3,000 tests a day, according to the State of Michigan this afternoon.
The test lab is part of an effort by the state to expand coronavirus testing statewide, including 11 new or expanded drive-thru test-collection sites. Three of the sites are in West Michigan.
The expansion of testing is happening through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Primary Care Association, 11 health centers and the Grand Rapids-based NxGen MDX Laboratory.
The state said the department of health will partner with the Michigan Primary Care Association and NxGen Laboratory to operate the testing sites.
“Increased testing is the only way we will know where COVID-19 is in Michigan and will guide our public health response,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
“Along with social distancing practices, such as staying home and keeping six feet between yourself and others, if you must go out, more testing will help Michigan slow the spread of COVID-19.”