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COVID-19 testing demand increases with number of cases in the state

Wisconsin National Guard
/
Flickr

Wisconsin is averaging more than 2,700 new COVID-19 cases a day.

With the rise in COVID cases, the demand for testing has also increased.

On any given day last week, more than 20,000 COVID-19 tests of Wisconsin residents were being processed.

For perspective, back in July when COVID cases were at their lowest in months between 5,000 to 9,000 test results a day were coming back.

Back then, the percentage of those test coming back positive were also low, less than 1%.

Now, more than 8% of all COVID testing in the state comes back positive.

As the demand for COVID testing increases, health departments are expanding their testing capacity once again.

The National Guard is assisting the Langlade County Health Department with a COVID-19 testing clinic Wednesday, September 22.

It will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Langlade County Health Service Center in Antigo.

Wisconsin residents who are at least 12 months old can get tested.

It’s recommended you get tested if you’ve been identified as a close contact of someone else who’s tested positive, and it’s been 5 to 7 days since exposure.

The health department also encourages people who have at least one symptom of COVID to get tested. That includes fever, cough, loss of taste/smell, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, chills, and/or muscle aches.

No appointment is necessary.

Several school districts in the Northwoods are also now offering testing for students, their families, and staff.

Rhinelander, Northland Pines, and Mercer School Districts are offering testing. Families should reach out to the districts for information.

Aspirus, Marshfield, and many local pharmacies offer COVID testing.

There’s also an at-home test you can order through the Department of Health Services.

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