HOUGHTON — UP Health System – Portage has launched drive-through testing for COVID-19 at its two ExpressCare locations. 

The drive-through testing will be available at the Houghton and Calumet locations during its regular hours. 

“Our community has united to address the COVID-19 pandemic here in the Copper Country,” said Ed Freysinger, CEO of UPHS – Portage. “The availability of diagnostic testing is critical in helping to identify and control the spread of illness … Our teams at Express Care, in coordination with local labs, are here to allow our community to have easier access to tests and help ensure we can better serve our patients.”

To be screened, call ahead for a telehealth visit. Patients will receive an email link to start their check-in. During the telehealth service, the provider will determine if the patient meets the criteria for a COVID-19 test. 

People who meet the criteria will then be scheduled for a drive-up appointment. 

The service is available at Express Care Calumet from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Its address is 56720 Calumet Ave. 

The Houghton location, at 921 W. Sharon Ave., is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. 

The drive-through testing had a soft opening prior to Friday’s announcement, said Amanda Falkenhagen, marketing and communications coordinator at UPHS. Estimates for the testing capacity were unavailable Friday, but Falkenhagen said testing so far had not come close to putting a strain on resources.

To schedule a telehealth visit, call Express Care Calumet at (906) 481-8952 or Express Care Houghton at (906) 483-1777.