Richland Center, WI: Richland County Emergency Management Director, Darin Gudgeon announced the number of individuals tested at the routine FREE COVID-19 community testing events held this week. On February 1st 33 individuals were tested and the testing event scheduled for February 4th had to be canceled due to inclement weather. The results of these 33 tests will be included in the appropriate county’s totals once they are received and verified. Individuals who are symptomatic and need a test, are encouraged to contact the Richland Hospital Clinic at 608-647-6321 or their primary healthcare provider.
FREE COVID-19 drive-thru community testing events continue in Richland County, but the events will not be held if the outside temperature at 9am is in the single digits. These events will also follow the Wisconsin National Guard policy requiring that the ambient temperature of the testing area be maintained at a minimum of 50 degrees. Routine testing events are offered to our citizens weekly on MONDAYS from 9am-11am and THURSDAYS from 10am-2pm at the Richland County Fairgrounds. Appointments are not required, but it is requested that those who wish to be tested pre-register at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov. The website allows individuals to register for testing in advance with their personal information and gives them a QR code to scan at the testing site. Individuals who utilize this option will receive an email with their test results rather than a phone call. The Richland County Fairgrounds is a drive-thru testing site, so everyone will remain in their vehicles at all times. Vehicles with more than one person in them are welcome to be tested. You will be asked screening questions as you enter, if you did not pre-register, and the test will consist of a nasal swab. The test will then be sent to a State approved lab and results follow-up should occur approximately 3-7 business days post event.
The Richland County Events on MONDAYS are only for Richland County residents who meet specific testing criteria. The WI National Guard Events on THURSDAYS are open to Richland County residents and those in our surrounding communities (age 5 and older) who are experiencing one or more symptoms of COVID-19 and for asymptomatic individuals per Public Health recommendations.
Tests will be available on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE basis. The FREE COVID-19 Testing schedule for events offered in Richland County are as follows:
| Monday, February 8th | 9am-11am | Richland County Fairgrounds | Richland County Event |
| Thursday, February 11th | 10am-2pm | Richland County Fairgrounds | WI National Guard Event |
| Monday, February 15th | 9am-11am | Richland County Fairgrounds | Richland County Event |
| Thursday, February 18th | 10am-2pm | Richland County Fairgrounds | WI National Guard Event |
| Monday, February 22nd | 9am-11am | Richland County Fairgrounds | Richland County Event |
| Thursday, February 25th | 10am-2pm | Richland County Fairgrounds | WI National Guard Event |
| Monday, March 1st | 9am-11am | Richland County Fairgrounds | Richland County Event |
| Thursday, March 4th | 10am-2pm | Richland County Fairgrounds | WI National Guard Event |
This schedule is subject to change.
Richland County residents are encouraged to sign-up for NIXLE alerts by texting 53581 to 888777 or go to www.nixle.com to sign-up to receive emails. You will then receive up-to-date alerts regarding local COVID vaccination clinic appointment availability, testing site information, severe weather, public safety, criminal activities, missing persons, traffic issues, and local events.
For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information, follow Richland County Health & Human Services on Facebook or consult the following websites:
- Richland County: https://covid.co.richland.wi.us
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
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