COVID-19 is not over, National Guard holds second La Crosse County testing site

In an effort to increase accessibility to COVID-19 testing, the La Crosse County Health Department worked with the Wisconsin National Guard to host a second testing site Monday at Western Technical College.

Rachel King, public health educator, believed there was still concern about COVID-19, especially as the county saw a consistent increase in cases last week. As of Monday, the country reported 76 confirmed cases with two hospitalizations.

The site Monday included a new walk-up lane.

“One of the reasons we focused on having that available is so that we can make it accessible to anybody,” King said. “Even if you don’t have a car here today, or you are working downtown or living in the area, you can easily walk up to the site.”

National Guard team OIC, Christina Baurichter coordinated the 26 National Guard members on site. Baurichter’s team also assisted with the Onalaska testing site at the Omni Center in May.

“One of the reasons we sign up is to help the community,” Baurichter said. “It is very, very rewarding to help out in this way.”

She added they’ve helped with at least six testing sites thus far, and movement of the National Guard because of protests have not interrupted their work.

As movements gather to support racial equality, King advised those participating to still practice social distancing. She added COVID-19 is a new disease, and health officials do not know if warmer weather will lead to a downward trend in cases.

Results from the testing site are anticipated within three to seven days.