National Guard provides county COVID-19 testing

The Chippewa County Department of Public Health, with assistance from the Wisconsin National Guard, will provide free COVID-19 nasal swab testing, Monday, July 20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event is open to the public, and will have drive-through and walk-up style testing at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, at 225 Edward St., in Chippewa Falls. “Testing is of crucial importance during the pandemic,” said Angela Weideman, Chippewa County Health officer/director. “It allows local health departments to track individuals with symptoms, identify who had close contact with them and have them avoid contact with others until they are no longer infectious. We cannot fight the virus or stop the spread of it, if we do not know where it is.” Community members do not need to experience symptoms to be tested. However, it is strongly encouraged that anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 seek testing at this time. Symptoms included fever, cough, congestion, loss of taste/smell, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea, chills and/or muscle aches. The event is open to any Wisconsin residents who are five years or older. Those who wish to be tested do not need to live in Chippewa County. Individuals attending do not need a referral from a doctor or the health department. Any individuals who are experiencing symptoms, even mild symptoms, should not have contact with others until they receive their test results. The National Guard or the health department will provide test results, and further instructions via phone, in a timely manner. For more information, contact the health department at covid@co.chippewa.wi.us, or 715-726-7900.