By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Co-Editor
TOMAHAWK – A Wisconsin National Guard team collected ‘more than 75 specimens’ during COVID-19 testing conducted at a Tomahawk senior living facility on Monday, May 18, Captain Joe Trovato said.
“The Wisconsin National Guard serves in a support role to local health departments and governments, and we deploy when we receive requests for assistance from the local level,” Trovato, Deputy Director of Public Affairs with the Wisconsin National Guard, stated. “Once we collect the specimens, we send them off to a state lab for analysis.”
As of Tuesday, May 19, 25 specimen collection teams each comprised of about 25 citizen soldiers and airmen were operating around the state. In addition, approximately 30 troops were working at a call center that informs individuals of their test results.
Trovato said individuals generally receive their tests results within three to five days via a phone call from either their local health department or the call center.
46,471 specimens had been collected statewide as of Tuesday, May 19, the National Guard said.