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Nasal swab COVID-19 test. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.
For almost three months the Wisconsin National Guard, Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Milwaukee Health Department have jointly operated two COVID-19 testing sites in the city.
The free testing sites, for which no appointment is necessary, serve individuals arriving on foot, bicycle or, as is most common, automobile. Over 74,000 tests have been administered as of August 3rd.
After my wife learned a coworker with an office across the hallway from her tested positive for the virus she decided to get tested. I went along for the ride, out of an abundance of caution and a sense of journalistic curiosity.After spending just over 20 minutes on-site waiting to get tested and less than 48 hours waiting for results, it’s hard to imagine the process could be easier.
We opted for what’s known as the “UMOS site,” located in the large parking lot in front of the non-profit social service organization at 2701 S. Chase Ave. A similar testing site operates in the parking lot across from Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education (formerly Custer High School) at 4300 W. Fairmount Ave.
Finding the line short at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, we drove in. What ensued was a mad dash on our smartphones to find the preregistration link that was recently released, no signage on-site for the website was found. The preregistration is not required, but it helps speed up the process (and can be found on the state’s website).
After being directed towards a specific testing line, an individual used a mobile device to scan a QR code on each of our phones.
Test subjects then drive into the multi-bay tent where a guard member verifies identities by birthdate. A guard member then provides instructions that a cotton swab will be inserted approximately one inch up the nose and swirled four times in each nostril.
Unlike reports of other tests, the Exact Sciences-test used by the state was painless and the act of swabbing can be described as “unusual,” but not “uncomfortable.”
After the swabbing, it’s all over. We were in and out in 22 minutes.I received notice, via email, of my test results on Friday morning at 6:00 a.m., approximately 41 hours later. I tested negative, as did my wife. A follow-up call came Saturday for each of us, confirming that we had seen the email.
Both sites operate Monday-Thursday, 11:00 a.m. through 7 p.m. and from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Both are closed on Sundays.
Want to get in and out as fast as possible? Arrive on foot. Those not in cars are treated as part of a separate line.
Additional information on the testing sites, including those operated throughout the state, can be found on the DHS website.
Photos
Video
More about the Coronavirus Pandemic
- WI Daily: Lowest COVID-19 Case Total In a Month - Jeramey Jannene - Aug 3rd, 2020
- COVID-19 Testing Quick and Easy At National Guard Sites - Jeramey Jannene - Aug 3rd, 2020
- Mask-Mandate Won’t Affect Voting In-Person - Brady Carlson - Aug 3rd, 2020
- Wisconsin National Guard continues statewide COVID-19 testing this week - Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs - Aug 3rd, 2020
- How Will Schools Use CARES Funding? - Madeline Fox - Aug 3rd, 2020
- Op Ed: GOP-Controlled Senate Refuses to Act - Bill Kaplan - Aug 3rd, 2020
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee Extends Meal Distribution Program - Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee - Aug 3rd, 2020
- Milwaukee Public Museum to Reopen to the Public on August 21 - Milwaukee Public Museum - Aug 3rd, 2020
- Milwaukee Public Schools to Kick Off Welcome Week with Freshman Bridge - Milwaukee Public Schools - Aug 3rd, 2020
- Rental Assistance Program Continues to Face Challenges - Princess Safiya Byers - Aug 2nd, 2020
Read more about Coronavirus Pandemic here
August 04, 2020 at 05:50AM
https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2020/08/03/covid-19-testing-quick-and-easy-at-national-guard-sites/
COVID-19 Testing Quick and Easy At National Guard Sites - Urban Milwaukee
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