Free COVID-19 testing to be held in Cornell, Dec. 30

The Chippewa County Department of Public Health, with support from the Wisconsin National Guard, will host a free drive-thru and walk-up style COVID-19 testing event, Wednesday, Dec. 30, in Cornell. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Chippewa Valley Electric, at 317 South Eight Street. 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 include 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, but people 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 a valid email address must be provided. 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.