Health departments in the region have requested assistance from the Wisconsin National Guard to scale up COVID-19 nasal swab testing. Two test dates have been set up in Oneida County.
Oneida, Iron, Forest, Lincoln, Price, and Vilas counties are collaborating with the National Guard on free drive through style COVID-19 swab testing. Oneida County Public Health Nurse Rebecca Lohagen says the first testing is Wednesday, May 20 in the parking lot at Lakeland Union High School from 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Thursday, May 21 the second testing will be at the parking lot of James Williams Middle School in Rhinelander from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Lohagen says to get tested there are some requirements...
"The person must be five years of age or older and they must have at least one symptom(of COVID-19). Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, fatigue, nausea or loss of taste or smell..."
She says people should be prepared with identification. They request that you wear a mask or cloth face covering. Lohagen says if testing kits run out before the end of the events, those not tested may be turned away.
Due to the unknown amount of interest, she says prepare for potential wait time. She says stay in your vehicle until it's your turn.
Lohagen says besides giving free testing, they're hoping to have a better idea how widespread the virus has spread. She says results are available in two to three days and either the health department or the National Guard will notify the person of results.
