For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) is collaborating with the Wisconsin National Guard to provide free COVID-19 testing at SARA Park, 900 W. Somo Ave., Tomahawk, on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pre-registration will be available within 24 hours of the event at www.register.covidconnect.wi.gov. No appointments are necessary. Anyone five years and older who lives or works in Wisconsin is eligible to test.

The National Guard will collect nasal swabs from those being tested to conduct a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The PCR test that will be used is over 99% accurate, LCHD said.

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

“Individuals receiving a test should be prepared to provide a current address, county of residence, and phone number when they arrive,” LCHD stated. “Testing will be provided on a first come, first serve basis and attendees may have to wait to be tested. Vehicles will form a line while waiting for testing, and all attendees will need to stay in or on their vehicle at all times. No restroom facilities will be available onsite; please plan accordingly.”

LCHD said there are two goals for the event: to provide local communities with available COVID-19 testing and to give public health better insight into how widespread COVID-19 is in local communities.

“Following this event, we will continue to support our local healthcare providers as they continue building their capacity to meet patient demand,” LCHD stated. “Please note that anyone tested is required to stay home until test results come back. Test results will be provided via email or phone by the National Guard or by your local health department in a timely manner.”

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, loss of taste/smell, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea, chills, and/or muscle aches.