MADISON, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin System announced in a release today that they will operate their COVID-19 “surge testing” sites until at least Christmas, thanks to added support from the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
“As Wisconsinites struggle with this insidious disease, we will be in every part of the state to provide help with testing,” said UW System President Tommy Thompson.
There are currently 22 sites across Wisconsin located on or near UW System university campuses which provide free rapid response COVID-19 testing available to community members, students and employees.
Since opening in early November, the sites have administered about 100,000 Abbott BinaxNOW tests. Originally, officials estimated the sites would operate for about six weeks, or through mid-December. .
“We are pleased to provide this service to the people of Wisconsin at this difficult time and know it is making a difference,” said UW System Board of Regents President Andrew S. Petersen.
The UW System surge testing sites are the first in the country to use the new Abbott BinaxNOW tests. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided 250,000 of the tests.
Persons who want to receive a rapid-results test, which takes about 15 minutes, should register at www.doineedacovid19test.com. Those who test positive through the rapid-results test are urged to get a confirmatory PCR test.
Individuals do not have to be experiencing symptoms or be a close contact of someone with COVID-19 to get a test, nor do they need to live in the community where the testing site is located. Days and hours vary by individual site.
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