LANSING, MI – As we head into respiratory virus season this fall, Sparrow Health System is seeing a sharp increase in demand for COVID tests and is reminding everyone on how best to get the vaccine.

Sparrow Laboratories is reporting a 36-percent rise in testing since the first week of August at its locations, including the innovative drive-thru site at Frandor.

While our team works to ensure everyone gets tested in a safe and timely manner, patients are reminded that a physician order is required in advance to obtain a COVID test at Frandor and all other Sparrow COVID testing sites. The requirement was added in May when the Federal Pandemic Declaration ended.

Those seeking treatment or testing for COVID should contact their Sparrow Medical Group provider for a consultation and order. Those without a primary care provider can request a Sparrow On-Demand video visit on the MySparrow Portal or at Sparrow.org/VirtualHealth, or through a visit at any of Sparrow’s Urgent/Walk-in Care locations.

Sparrow has been a national leader in the fight against COVID, performing nearly 940,000 COVID tests throughout the health system since the pandemic began in March 2020. The Sparrow Drive-Thru Lab Services site has also received international attention because of the innovation Sparrow exhibited throughout the pandemic. The former Sears Automotive Center was converted into a testing site after being closed for years. The location, 3131 E. Michigan Ave., is an excellent alternative to crowded lab waiting rooms. Blood draws and COVID testing are offered with a physician's order from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Sparrow urges the community to remain vigilant against COVID and to get a vaccine if you haven’t already.

Find out more information on testing and vaccines at Sparrow.org/COVIDCARE.