Editor’s note: the following information has been released by the Jefferson County Health Department.
The Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) has announced an expansion of free COVID-19 testing to ensure timely identification of positive cases and prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Wisconsin National Guard (WING), in partnership with Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Jefferson County Health Department, continues to provide support for this testing program through Dec. 16.
The type of test available at this site will be “PCR” tests, also known as RT-PCR, NAAT or lab-confirmed diagnostic tests. Rapid, or antigen tests, will not be available. At this time, testing will no longer be conducted at the Jefferson County Health Department on Annex Road in Jefferson.
The new COVID-19 testing location will be at 400 Doctors Court, Johnson Creek, Wis. COVID-19 testing will be available Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays 2-7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Testing is free, no ID is required, and anyone 12 months or older is eligible for testing.
Who should get tested?
- People who have symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested right away
- People who have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should be tested to check for infection. Fully vaccinated people should be tested 5-7 days after their last exposure. People who are not fully vaccinated should get tested immediately when they find out they are a close contact. If their test result is negative, they should get tested again 5-7 days after their last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop.
- People, especially those who are not vaccinated, who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot physically distance to avoid exposure, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor settings.
- People who have been asked or referred to get tested by their healthcare provider or health department. People who have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus should wear a mask around others pending test results and follow the advice of their health care provider or a public health professional.
Additional COVID-19 testing sites can be found by clicking here, or at the JCHD COVID-19 Dashboard, webpage, and social media.
Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself and others around you. JCHD will be administering COVID-19 vaccine at the health department Monday through Friday by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling the health department at 920-674-7275. Please note that capacity may be limited. To find a COVID-19 vaccination site, visit www.vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829, or call 211. You can also call 844-684-1064 or 800-232-0233.
Opportunities for testing
Note: Please visit the JCHD COVID-19 Dashboard to access the most recent version of this document, as testing services may change often. Additional testing sites may be found on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services webpage: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/community-testing.htm.
The following list was updated on Nov. 4:
• JCHD COVID-19 Dashboard: https://sites.google.com/view/jeffersoncountywicovid-19/home.
• Jefferson County Health Department (New Location and Testing Days), 400 Doctors Court, Johnson Creek, Wis., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays and Saturdays, and 2-7 p.m., Thursdays.
Pre-registration (optional) at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/en-US/. PCR tests available for Wisconsin residents 1 year or older
• University of Wisconsin – Whitewater: https://www.uww.edu/warhawks-are-back/testing#community-members. Site: Esker Hall, 420 N Prairie St, Whitewater, Wis. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m to 6 p.m; Fridays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free parking is available in lot 4; overflow in lots 18 and 19. Register first at https://www.wihealthconnect.com or call 1-800-635-8611 Whitewater campus.
• Rock County campus:
Lower Level of Allen Hall, Rooms AH16 and AH17, Mondays and Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Fort HealthCare:
https://www.forthealthcare.com/covid-19-testing-information/.
Call the COVID-19 triage hotline: (920) 648-7696. Triage Hotline Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Hometown Pharmacy:
https://hometownpharmacyrx.com/Covid-19-Vaccine/Covid-19-Testing. Fort Atkinson, call for an appointment: 920-563-2458; Watertown, call for an appointment: 920-261-1900.
• Forward Pharmacy: Cambridge: https://forwardpharmacywi.com/product/covid-test-cambridge-location/; Deerfield: https://forwardpharmacywi.com/product/covid-test-deerfield-location/.
• Walworth County Fairgrounds:
411 E Court St, Elkhorn, Wis, enter at North Gate off of Hwy. 11. Hours of operation: noon to 5 p.m., every Tuesday until Dec. 14. Pre-registration (optional) at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/en-US/. PCR tests available for Wisconsin residents 1 year or older.
• Walworth County, Open Arms Free Clinic:
205 E Commerce Ct, Elkhorn, Wis. Hours of operation: 9-11 a.m. every Wednesday. Pre-registration (optional) at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/en-US/. PCR tests available for Wisconsin residents 1 year or older.
• CVS Pharmacy: Not all locations may offer testing, visit https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing for further information.
• Walgreens: Not all locations may offer testing, visit https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing for further information.
• At-Home Collection Kit: Individuals can have a saliva-based COVID-19 test kit shipped to their home free of charge. Steps include: “Request the kit, collect your sample under virtual supervision, and send it in to the lab. Order your test and find additional details at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/collection.htm.”
Additional and updated information regarding COVID-19 testing services and availability may be found at the webpages below:
Jefferson County Health Department: https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/departments/health/Coronavirus.php.
Jefferson County Health Department COVID-19 Dashboard: https://sites.google.com/view/jeffersoncountywicovid-19/home.
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