Courtesy of the Oneida County Health Department

NORTHERN WISCONSIN – In our area, Oneida, Iron, Forest, Lincoln, Price, and Vilas Counties are collaborating to host two community COVID-19 testing events in Oneida County, the Oneida County Health Department said in a statement on Tuesday, May 12. The National Guard will be providing drive through style COVID-19 swab testing.

Testing will be held Wednesday, May 20, at Lakeland Union High School, Minocqua, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Thursday, May 21, at James Williams Middle School, Rhinelander, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Anyone five years and older with at least one of the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, vomiting, or diarrhea, can get tested. These events are only available to people that live or work in Wisconsin. Please note that anyone tested who has symptoms will be expected to self-isolate until test results come back.

The events will be located in the parking lot of the two locations listed above. People should be prepared to provide a current address, county of residence, and phone number when arriving for testing.

“We request that you wear a mask or cloth face covering when you arrive,” the Health Department said.

Testing at these events will be free.

“Please be aware that if testing kits run out before the end of the events, those not tested may be turned away,” the department stated. “Due to the unknown amount of interest, prepare for potential wait time. It is requested that modes of transportation form a line while waiting for testing, and that those who want to be tested stay in or on their mode of transportation at all times.”

The Wisconsin National Guard will be conducting the testing. They will be in uniform and in full PPE (personal protective equipment), including gowns, mask, gloves, etc., during the events.

“We have two goals with the events: Provide our communities with mass testing, and give public health an increased insight into how widespread COVID-19 is in our communities. Following the events, we will continue to work closely with our local healthcare providers to continue building their capacity to meet patient demand for testing,” the department said.

There are alternative testing sites in the state of Wisconsin throughout May. Any Wisconsin resident is welcome to attend any one of the testing events.