The Wisconsin National Guard will be returning to our area to conduct free COVID-19 testing beginning this week. Marinette County Emergency Management and Public Health have requested assistance from the Guard, who will provide recurring drive-through COVID-19 testing in at the Marinette County Highway Shop in Peshtigo October 23, November 6 and 20, and December 4 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The screenings will be available on a first-come, first serve basis for those 5 years and older who were identified as a close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and are 5-7 days after their contact with them or is experiencing at least one of the major symptoms of the virus. Emergency Management Administrator Eric Burmeister says this latest push will be similar to the community-wide testing that was offered in Crivitz in May, but is being held again in response to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

To date, Marinette County has not issued any of their own community-wide restrictions, but have instead referred residents to orders handed down by the state. While there’s no indication the results of this new testing might change that, Burmeister says it will provide those decision-makers with the best and most current information on the full impact of the virus locally.

Burmeister estimates around 300 test kits will be available on each of the scheduled testing dates. These dates are subject to change based on need of testing squads throughout the State and more information can be found on the Marinette County website under their “News” tab.