AZO and OptiMed Partner to Provide COVID-19 Testing at the Airport

Press Release (ePRNews.com) - KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Feb 22, 2021 - Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport is partnering with locally based OptiMed Health Partners to provide COVID-19 testing to arriving and departing passengers as well as members of the local community. The OptiMed COVID Testing Office is scheduled to open on the main floor beginning Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. The space allows for safe and private testing and is located near the baggage claim and car rental stations with plenty of space for social distancing.

OptiMed’s trained healthcare professionals, in partnership with locally based lab Genemarkers, will administer PCR testing with 24- to 48-hour turnaround at no out-of-pocket cost. Travelers also will have the option of paying $100 for rapid antigen testing that will provide results within 15 minutes. No referral is needed.

Testing will be held on weekdays and weekends during all scheduled flight times. Walk-ins are welcome, although appointments can be scheduled in advance at www.covid19azo.com.

“Testing is one of the most powerful tools we have to combat this pandemic, in addition to following safety guidelines such as wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing,” said Rob Doornweerd, Chief Operating Officer for OptiMed Health Partners. “We’re proud to partner with the airport to provide our community a safe, convenient testing option that supports traveler safety.”

Passengers are not required to show test results when entering the airport, checking in for a flight or before boarding a plane, however, Doornweerd said testing is key to mitigating the spread of COVID between communities.

Passengers should not come to the airport if they are sick or experiencing COVID-like symptoms. For more information about testing, airport hours, or to schedule an appointment, go to www.covid19azo.com. OptiMed also offers COVID testing services at their site on 9th Street Kalamazoo office (6480 Technology Ave.) and in South Haven in partnership with Moore Family Pharmacy.

“Assuring passenger safety and security is important, and we want all passengers to know that the airport is ready when they are,” said Craig Williams, airport director.

ABOUT KALAMAZOO/BATTLE CREEK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:  As the Gateway to Southwest Michigan, the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) serves the region’s almost 800,000 people by providing top-notch facilities, offering flights to and from three of North America’s finest hub airports on American, Delta, and United Airlines. Fly AZO and experience the comfort and friendliness that over 300,000 passengers enjoy each year. For more information about the Airport and our airlines, visit www.flyazo.com.

ABOUT OPTIMED HEALTH PARTNERS: OptiMed Health Partners, headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is an independently owned and operated national healthcare organization. With over 25 years of experience, OptiMed delivers customized solutions that optimize patient outcomes while partnering with other healthcare organizations to usher in a new standard of excellence. To learn more about OptiMed’s innovative and personalized care, go to www.optimedhp.com or email covid@optimedhp.com.

To learn more about Genemarkers’ testing services, visit www.genemarkersllc.com or email info@genemarkersllc.com.