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Temporary coronavirus testing site opened at Waukesha County Expo Center

Posted at 8:26 PM, May 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-09 23:19:36-04

WAUKESHA — Waukesha County leaders are joining forces with with the Wisconsin National Guard to launch a new drive-through coronavirus testing site that opened on Saturday.

The testing is taking place at the Waukesha County Expo Center and will be underway for just three days. The goal is to increase testing capacity as the county looks to move closer to meeting outlined goals in the Badger Bounce Back program.

Members of the Wisconsin National Guard administered 300 tests on Saturday.

“It’s very important that we have this increased testing capacity. It gives public health an opportunity to understand what the disease prevalence in the community," said Elizabeth Laatsch, Public Health Coordinator for Waukesha County.

The county looks to test up to 300 residents per day at the site. COVID-19 testing will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, May 11. and Tuesday, May 12 by appointment only.

Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow said he's hoping to further increase testing capacity soon to help alleviate some of the stress on county medical facilities.

“They’ve had some challenges getting the tests and PPE, people with the proper equipment to administer the tests," Farrow said.

According to the Waukesha County Department of Health, there are 394 confirmed cases in the county. 30 percent of those cases have resulted in hospitalizations. 90 cases are active as of May 9.

“As we’re always looking at ways to prepare the economy to re-open, we know we have criteria we need to meet," Farrow said.

Time slots are still available on May 11 and 12. To schedule a test, call (262) 548-7626.

IN ORDER TO BE TESTED:

- Patients must schedule in advance.
- Patents must be Wisconsin residents or work in the state.
- Patients must be symptomatic.

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