Wisconsin National Guard Assisting Douglas County in Coronavirus Testing

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.– This month, Governor Evers ordered temporary COVID-19 testing sites to pop up in northwestern Wisconsin counties for several days in each area. Today the National Guard was in Douglas County testing residents.

Douglas County has tested around 500 people for Coronavirus. After today, that number is going to jump up.

“I am glad that people are still taking this seriously,” said Douglas County Public Health Officer Kathy Ronchi.

So far there are nearly 9,000 positive cases of Coronavirus in Wisconsin and more than 360 deaths. Douglas County so far has just 10 cases.

That number could climb considering all the people that lined up for testing today at the Solon Springs Community Center which was a joint venture between the National Guard, Douglas County Public Health and Emergency Management, and Washburn County, which has one case.

Testing through the site is free and only available to Wisconsin residents. People are advised to head straight home and isolate themselves until they receive their results in next two or three days.

At the site anyone five years old and up could be nasally swab tested if they had symptoms likes a fever or cough. They planned to test up to 300 people throughout the region. Those who test positive will be contact traced and kept isolated as the county works to contain the virus.

Those helping out say they are glad to give out tests and help collect more data on Coronavirus.

“We’re helping to provide a bigger picture by supporting what the governor wanted, to increase the sample rates throughout the state so they can collect more data to make the determinations that need to be made in order to get things moving along,” said Chief Pamela Rous of the Wisconsin National Guard.

Experts at the site say providing a mass testing site offers better understating of where they are at which will also allow for a better allocation of resources. This will also will also help lawmakers determine a timeline for reopening.

“I encourage everybody to come down and to get in line and be tested. You’re not taking a test away from somebody,” said Ronchi. “Some people are fearful of that or they may feel they are not sick enough. We want to test everybody that even has a mild symptom.”

Another event is happening in Ashland on Thursday at the Lake Superior Primary/Lake Superior Elementary School driveway  from 11 a.m-7 p.m. Tests are for anyone 5 years or older who are experiencing Coronavirus symptoms.