First In-State Coronavirus Test Comes Up Negative
An Oakland County resident coronavirus test came up negative, making it the first in-state test by the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services for COVID-19.
Based on the patient’s symptoms and no other known source of illness, healthcare professionals suspected COVID-19. A clinical specimen was collected and sent to the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories where it tested negative. On Feb. 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded its testing criteria which led to this patient meeting criteria for being tested.- MDHHS release
MDDHS says the lab was able to begin testing for the virus as of Feb. 27.
“I am pleased that the process for testing at our state laboratory is working well, and that we were able to get this result within hours,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health at MDHHS. “While the current risk to the general public in the U.S. is low, we expect to see more cases, including cases where we are uncertain of the source of their infection. We encourage everyone to continue to practice good hygiene by washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes appropriately, and staying home if they are ill." -MDHHS release