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Don’t go to an emergency room for a COVID-19 test

A Wisconsin National Guard members helps with COVID-19 testing.
Staff Sgt. Katie Theusch
/
Wisconsin National Guard
A Wisconsin National Guard members helps with COVID-19 testing.

Hospitals across the state are urging people NOT to go to the emergency room to get a COVID-19 test.

The Wisconsin Hospital Association says emergency rooms throughout the state are under extreme stress due to surging COVID-19 cases as well as regular, seasonal increases in demand for medical services.

It says patients seeking COVID-19 tests at hospitals not only delay urgent care in emergency rooms, but also raise the risk of virus spread among medically vulnerable patients.

You can call ahead to your medical provider to schedule an appointment for a test.

Though both Aspirus and Marshfield Clinic warn of long wait times on their COVID lines.

Most counties in the area have community testing sites.

You can also order an at-home test through the Department of Health Services website.

Katie Thoresen is WXPR's News Director/Vice President.
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