Mayor Mike Duggan and Honda executive Rick Schostek announced that Detroit is the first U.S. city to receive modified Honda Odysseys to transport residents for COVID-19 testing. The vehicles are designed to protect the health of the driver and passenger. The announcement was made at the Mayor’s daily briefing May 5.

Modified vehicles were part of a pilot launched in Japan in April. Members of the Mayor’s team heard about the vehicles and approached Honda about providing vehicles for Detroit. The vehicles are on loan for a year.

Modifications by Honda include:

• Installation of a polycarbonate panel between the front seat and the rear passenger areas
• Updating the ventilation system software to reduce the potential for droplet infection migration during transport

The vehicles will be used by four companies providing rides to the test site: Checker Cab, Lakeside Division, Bright Transportation and Odyssey Transportation. As of May 5, the companies have transported 348 Detroiters to the Fairgrounds.

Honda executive Rick Schostek shows Denise Fair, the City's Chief Public Health Officer, one of the 10 Honda Odysseys loaned to Detroit to transport residents for COVID-19 testing at the State Fairgrounds.

Detroiters who receive federal government stimulus checks can cash them for free at Chase Bank. The bank will waive the normal check cashing fee for non-customers, which will only apply to government stimulus checks.

Individuals will need two forms of identification. To find a list of approved forms of identification, click here. One form of identification must be from the primary ID column.

New service provides tax prep assistance during COVID-19

COVID-19 Testing Continues at Michigan State Fairgrounds, City Offers Detroiters Access to Doctors and $2 Rides

Free testing is still available for Detroiters with COVID-19 symptoms and essential workers at the State Fairgrounds.

Detroiters with COVID-19 Symptoms
Detroiters with symptoms can be tested even if they don’t have a primary care physician, health insurance, or a car.

Detroit physician offices are accepting new patients for Detroiters without insurance or a primary care physician. Once a person has a doctor’s prescription and appointment time, they can get a ride for $2 to the State Fairgrounds in a safe, sanitary vehicle through IntelliRide.

Essential Workers
Essential workers (grocery store and pharmacy employees, food handlers, mail carriers, etc.) can get tested for free.

Business owners providing essential services can call (313) 230-0505, register their company and receive an access code. Their employees then should call (313) 230-0505 anytime between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday – Sunday and provide the code to schedule a test.  These employees will not need a doctor’s prescription for the test, and do not have to be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

The free testing will continue at the Fairgrounds with roughly 1000 tests being administered daily.

For more information on how to get an appointment for COVID-19 testing at the State Fairgrounds, go to detroitmi.gov/coronavirus.

Violators of the Governor’s executive orders to stay home, practice physical distancing and avoid public gatherings
could be fined up to $1000.

Health Department Hotline

• A healthcare provider with a possible COVID-19 positive patient
• An individual who suspects they have COVID-19

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/
• State of Michigan at http://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus

Meals Available for Detroit Families and Seniors
For information on locations, go to detroitmi.gov/food.

Need Your Water Turned On?
During the COVID-19 outbreak, Detroiters living in households with no water service can sign up for the Water Restart Plan to restore service and keep their water flowing for only $25 per month. Thousands are already participating: sign up here!

Income Tax Deadline now July 15
The City of Detroit has pushed back the deadline for residents and non residents who must file City income taxes to July 15.