Soldiers glove-up in the "hot zone," the area designated for conducting nasal swabs, in the rear parking lot of the county health dept. on May 11, 2020. (Metro Wire photo)

COVID-19 testing continues in Stevens Point

May 11, 2020May 13, 2020

By Brandi Makuski

Only about two dozen vehicles lined the three testing lanes in the rear parking lot of the Ruth Gulfry building on May 11 when free COVID-19 testing began at 9 a.m.

With a little help from county health and highway departments, about 30 soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard began setting up testing areas before 7 a.m. in the rear parking lot of the health and human services building at 817 Whiting Ave.

National Guardsmen and women from multiple units across Wisconsin were assigned to Task Force Delta, the group responsible for providing up to 500 free nasal swab tests to residents who exhibit at least one symptom of the coronavirus.

The group arrived in Wood Co. last week, armed with 600 of the free tests. But only about 260 tests were administered, according to Portage Co. Health Officer Gary Gaske.

Staff Sgt. David Talusky, public relations officer with Task Force Delta, said he expects each test to take between three and six minutes.

The rear parking lot is separated into four drivable lanes—three waiting lanes and a fourth bypass lane, for potential testees who decide they don’t want the test, or otherwise need to leave. Motorists will be assessed by nurses, then asked to sign a form consenting to the nasal swab before they get the procedure, Talusky said.

Talusky, along with all of the soldiers present Monday, has been tested for coronavirus. He called the nasal swab “a little uncomfortable, but it only lasts a few seconds.”

Anyone getting a test is being asked to self-isolate for 48 hours. Tests will be processed within 3-5 days, and patients will be contacted directly with their results, Talusky said.

Deputies from the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office and Stevens Point Police Department were stationed in the parking lot and along Whiting Ave. to assist with traffic control if needed.

Portage Co. Emergency Management Director Bob Weinert said he was “hopeful we’ll have a rush of people later today.”

The tests are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12. No registration is necessary.

Anyone 5 years and older with at least one of the following symptoms will qualify for testing: fever, cough, loss of taste/smell, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, chills, or muscle aches. Asymptomatic individuals will not be tested.