Wisconsin To Test Every Nursing Home Population For Coronavirus

MADISON — Citing a need to respond to outbreaks in Wisconsin's long-term care facilities, Gov. Tony Evers said Monday that health workers will test all nursing home residents and staff for the coronavirus. According to state data as of Monday, of the 187 statewide facility COVID-19 outbreaks and investigations, nearly half have taken place at long-term care facilities.

According to the governor's office, the state is prepared to provide free testing to all of Wisconsin's 373 nursing homes with the goal of testing more than 10,000 residents and staff per week throughout May.

On Monday, Evers said Wisconsin is prepared to provide 85,000 COVID-19 tests per week, ensuring that everyone in the state who needs a test receives a test. To date, the state has provided more than 60,000 tests to hospitals, clinics, local public health, long term care facilities, and other community partners.

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According to the governor's office, 57 of the state's 72 counties have requested and are receiving testing supplies from this program.

“We’ve made great progress in expanding our testing capacity these last few weeks, and now we’re taking the next step to ensure our tests performed match our capacity,” Evers said in a statement Monday. “Everyone in the state that needs a test should be tested, and through the Badger Bounce Back Plan, we’re taking a comprehensive approach to make sure that’s the case.”

Drive Thru Testing Ramping Up

• The governor also said the state's drive thru community testing is being rolled out across the state. Here are several details plans state officials have come up with:
• Increasing the number of free drive thru community tests sites throughout the state.
• Mobilizing 15 additional National Guard units to assist local public health in setting up testing sites and responding to outbreaks, bringing the total number of units to 25.
• Establishing a website for the public to find the closest community testing site.
• Providing free tests for state sponsored test sites to those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, with results going to patients and local public health. No physician visit is required at the National Guard sponsored sites.

Related Reading

• Wisconsin Coronavirus Tracker
• Wearing Masks During Coronavirus: What The Wisconsin DHS Says
• Coronavirus: Some Wisconsin Businesses Can Reopen Under New Order

• What's going on in Wisconsin? Find Out Here
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