(COLDWATER) – With the first identified case of the Omicron variant reported in Kent County, local health officials are encouraging people to be careful.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says if you have traveled to Kent County or the Grand Rapids area since December 1, you are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 and take appropriate steps to monitor your health condition for 14 days.

CHA Medical Director Dr. Karen Luparello says the Kent County resident who tested positive had been vaccinated, but had not yet received a booster dose. She says they encourage residents to schedule their booster doses as soon as they are eligible. That would be six months after a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two months after a Johnson & Johnson dose.

All residents age 18 and over are currently eligible for a booster dose.

Luparello say the CHA offers free curbside testing in Three Rivers on Fridays; in Coldwater on Thursdays and in Hillsdale on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Each testing site is open from 9:00 AM until 3:30 PM.

Additionally, the Welcome Center on I-69 Northbound at mile marker 6 is open every day from 10 AM until 4 PM. Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville will host a testing and vaccine clinic this Tuesday December 14, 2021 from 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM and again from 1 PM until 4:30 PM.

Local hospitals, physician offices, and pharmacies can also provide testing and vaccinations.