For the Tomahawk Leader

MERRILL – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) on Wednesday, Feb. 2 announced that it will provide PCR COVID-19 testing to the public.

Testing will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Lincoln County Service Center, 801 N. Sales St., Merrill, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day.

Appointments will be required, and no walk-ins will be accepted. Limited appointment slots are available. To register, visit www.bit.ly/3omWguv or call 715-539-2584.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and masks will be required.

The testing events are only available to individuals that live or work in Wisconsin.

LCHD said testing is intended for individuals 12 months and older who have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

“COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, loss of taste/smell, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea, chills, and muscle aches,” LCHD stated.

LCHD said individuals receiving a test should be prepared to wait in their vehicle and either text, or call, the phone number provided at registration and at the parking stall assigned to COVID-19 testing, prior to entering the building.

“We thank you in advance for your patience as we get our testing site up and running,” LCHD stated.

LCHD noted that anyone tested is required to stay home until test results come back. Test results will be provided via email or phone, within two to five days, by the State of Wisconsin. If results are not received within that time frame, call the Wisconsin COVID-19 Results line at 866-419-6988.

To find other COVID-19 testing locations, visit www.bit.ly/3Hpfg2U.

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government by visiting www.covidtests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

For additional COVID-19 testing information, call LCHD’s COVID-19 Testing Hotline 715-539-2584 or email [email protected].