MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin saw the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on Monday compared to any day since the pandemic began.
On Monday DHS reported the state surpassed 1 million confirmed cases since the pandemic began. More than 10,000 people have died from complications caused by the virus since the virus entered Wisconsin in the spring of 2020.
- Wisconsin sees record daily number of COVID-19 cases on Monday
- Milwaukee police deployed at COVID-19 testing sites after line-cutting, altercations
COVID-19 testing has also skyrocketed, with many people wanting to get checked after traveling and visiting family and loved ones over the holidays. Just on Tuesday the Milwaukee Health Department announced police officers will now be stationed at testing sites after receiving reports of line-cutting and other altercations between residents and with testing site staff.
"We are seeing testing numbers unlike anything during the pandemic in the past," said Dr. Ben Weston, Chief Health Policy Advisor for Milwaukee County.
Currently, Milwaukee County has a COVID positivity rate of 34% and is averaging more than 1,100 new cases a day.
As the need for testing in Milwaukee County continues to increase, here is a list to make sure you know where and how to get a FREE COVID-19 test yourself:
Free community testing sites in Milwaukee
- Northwest Health Center
- Location: 7630 W. Mill Road
- What: Drive-thru garage
- How: Enter at Mill Road Library, 6431 N. 76th St.
- When:
- Monday & Friday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Tuesday & Thursday: 12 - 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Southside Health Center
- Location: 1639 S. 23rd St.
- What: Drive-thru heated tent
- How: North parking lot, enter on 24th St.
- When:
- Monday & Friday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Tuesday & Thursday: 12 - 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Menomonee Valley Site
- Location: 2401 W. St. Paul Ave.
- What: Drive-thru garage
- When:
- Monday, Wednesday, Fridays: 12 - 6 p.m.
- Tuesday & Thursday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Community testing sites in Wisconsin
Click HEREto see a full map of testing sites provided by local and tribal health departments or health care providers in Wisconsin. You can use this map to find a testing site near you by selecting the county you live in. It will provide you with location, directions, contact information, hours of operation, and process information.
Free at-home tests
Anyone and everyone in Wisconsin can get a free COVID-19 test through the State of Wisconsin and Vault Medical Services. It is free and allows people to collect their own saliva samples for testing while staying home. Get it by clicking here.
President Joe Biden will require insurance companies to reimburse policyholders for at-home COVID-19 tests.
The president said his requirement will go into effect next week.
The Biden administration is also purchasing 500 million tests that people will be able to request online.
"The federal government is launching a website this month where you can get tests shipped to your home for free, upon your request," Biden said.
Curative COVID-19 mobile testing
You can register HERE For an appointment at multiple locations, though appointments are not necessary. Drive-ups and walk-ups are welcome.
Here are the locations:
- Bradford Beach Parking Lot, 2272 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.
- Cathedral Square Park, 520 E. Wells St.
- Clas Park (in front of Milwaukee County Courthouse), 901 N. 9th St. Park in courthouse parking garage.
- Greenfield Park, 2028 S. 124th St,. West Allis
- Konkel Park, 5151 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield
- McGovern Park, 4629 W. Silver Spring Dr.
- Mitchell Park, 534 S. Layton Ave.
- MKE LGBTQ Center, 315 W. Court St.
- Pulaski Park, 1840 N. Pulaski St.
- Veteran's Park Parking Lot, 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.
- Wilson Park Rec Center Parking Lot, 4001 S. 20th
Milwaukee Public Schools
According to the MPS website, schools will continue to offer COVID-19 testing for students and staff when in-person learning continues.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Not only can students and staff make an appointment to get tested at UW locations, but so can community members. Click this link to make your appointment.
Hayat Pharmacy
Hayat Pharmacy in Milwaukee is keeping its doors open for 24 hours starting Jan. 1 as demand for COVID-19 tests increase.
Hayat is located at 807 E. Layton Ave.
To find a Hayat Pharmacy near you for a COVID test, click here. The pharmacy said registering for a test ahead of time will get you through the line quicker.
CVS Pharmacy
There are five CVS Pharmacy Minute Clinics that offer free appointments daily. They also sell test kits to go when available.
Those five locations include:
- 1650 Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee
- 7520 West Blue Mound Road, Wauwatosa
- 7550 West Perkins Place, Milwaukee
- 3030 West Villard Avenue, Milwaukee
- 240 E Hampton Rd, Whitefish Bay
Click HEREto schedule an appointment and for clinic details.
Walgreens Pharmacy
There are multiple Walgreens locations across Milwaukee County where you can get a free COVID-19 testing. Walgreens also sells at-home tests.
Walgreens offer diagnostic lab tests, rapid diagnostic test, and rapid antigen tests.
To find a Walgreens locations near you, click HERE.
Life Change Pharmacy
No appointment needed and no insurance required. Life Change Pharmacy offers same day, rapid results in an hour. There are PCR result within 24 to 72 hours also.
There are two locations for Life Change Pharmacy:
- 1844 S. 15th St.
- 7115 W. Capitol Dr.
Sign up HERE or call 414-999-0999.
Life Tree Pharmacy
Walk-ins and online appointments are available to everyone through Life Tree Pharmacy.
Life Tree is located at 8329 Appleton Ave. in Milwaukee.
Click HEREto get started.
Grand Avenue Pharmacies
Grand Avenue Pharmacies are located in Waukesha and Wauwatosa. Testing is done at a first come, first serve basis. They are open daily for free tests..
Waukesha
- Where: W229 N1400 Westwood Dr.
- When: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wauwatosa
- Where: Hart Park
- When: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Holistic Home Care & Hospice, Inc.
Holistic Home Care & Hospice, Inc. is offering free COVID-19 PCR testing Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
They are located at 8777 Forest Home Ave. in Greenfield.
To sign up for an appointment, click here.
West Allis Health Department
Employment Development Specialist of Wisconsin (EPS) partnered with the West Allis Health Department, along with the state, to provide COVID-19 testing.
EPS is located at 1622 S. 84th St. in West Allis. The site is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is PCR testing only for all ages and no appointment is necessary.
Festival Hall in Racine
City of Racine is offering testing at Festival Hall at 5 5th St Room 4 will offer COVID tests Monday and Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m. Registration is encouraged. You can register here.
City of Racine – Today, City of Racine Public Health Administrator Dottie-Kay Bowersox announced that National Guard COVID-19 testing at Festival Hall has been extended through January 27, 2022. Hours will continue to be Mondays and Thursdays from Noon until 6pm.
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Head to the city's website to learn the locations and hours of the city's testing sites. Other testing sites in Milwaukee County can be found here.