Free COVID-19 testing site offered in Chippewa County

The Chippewa County Department of Public Health, with assistance from the Wisconsin National Guard, will provide free COVID-19 nasal swab testing Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event, which is open to the public, will have drive-through and walk-up style testing, at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls. 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 or has been exposed to someone who tested positive, 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 of age or older – they do not need to live in Chippewa County to be tested. Individuals attending do not need a referral from a doctor or the health department. Pre-registration is available, but not required. Pre-registration eliminates the need to fill out paperwork on-site, but does not create an appointment time. In order to pre-register for the testing event, individuals need to visit register.covidconnect.wi.gov and complete the questionnaire. An email with a QR code will be sent to the individual, so the person must provide a valid email address. 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.