COVID-19 testing sites accommodating for increased demand before holidays
GREEN BAY (WLUK)--With the holidays approaching, more people would like to check for COVID-19. Testing sites are encouraging people to come, and accommodating those who request a test.
Rapid testing sites, like the one at UW-Green Bay, help those get results, and fast.
"We are doing this across the state obviously in answer to the pandemic, we want everyone especially around the holidays to get tested."
After experiencing delays when it first opened, the site has now adjusted to the demands.
Susan Grant Robinson is UWGB's Cabinet Liaison for Internal Affairs and oversees the testing site.
"We are doing really well, getting people through the line," said Grant Robinson.
The UWGB community site is testing upwards of 400 people a day. Rapid testing sites at UW system schools has contributed to an overall increase in testing across the state, which is a key step in fighting the pandemic.
Brian Merkel is an associate professor of immunology at UWGB. He said, "it represents the eyes and ears if you will that we have in terms of knowing what extent you have a problem in your community and population."
This week the state has seen a decline in its seven-day average percentage of positive tests. But, it's unclear if the rapid testing sites have contributed to that.
"It's probably an interesting correlation," said Merkel, "but not a cause and effect one, essentially. So we will continue to monitor."
But as testing continues before the holidays, experts remind everyone it's not the green light to gather with family.
"I understand why there's a certain increased demand, completely makes sense to me from my part," said Merkel, "but, there's limitations if that's what your banking on."
Those limitations? A negative test today does not mean a negative test tomorrow.
"It's better than nothing, but that test is just a window of what's going on for that person on that day," said Merkel.
Experts continue to remind families to only celebrate with those in your household.
The UWGB site is free to anyone, symptoms or not. But, you must pre-register here.
