With things going back in the wrong direction, safety and preventative measures need to be on the forefront of everyone’s minds to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. One way to keep our community safe and limit the spread is through testing.
Since mid-May, the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services has been doing free testing at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Because I’ve been out in public, attended some protests, and have a trip planned with a friend, I have so far been tested four times. This is in order to stay safe and do my part to limit the spread of this virus.
If you’ve decided to get tested, please note the following tips. And if you’re still debating getting tested, check out this FAQ. (Either way, here also are some helpful coronavirus-related resources.)
Arrive early.
I’ve heard reports that even arriving to the Alliant Center at 8:15 a.m. resulted in an hour wait time this week. Try to get there a little before they open at 8 in order to get a good spot toward the front of the line.
Cars already lining up for #Covid_19 testing at the Alliant Energy Center. Testing opens at 8 a.m. #WakeUpToMore pic.twitter.com/L6MFuVykB7
— Amelia Jones NBC15 (@AmeliaJonesTV) June 29, 2020
Bike or walk.
While there have been long wait times recently with drive-in testing, the wait times for those who bike or walk up has been minimal. Recently, I biked up a few minutes before 8 a.m. as the third person in line. When I left 15 minutes later, a line of more than a dozen people had formed. For the shortest wait times, I’d still recommend arriving early even when biking.
You can walk, bike, or drive to the site, and if you drive, you don’t even have to leave your car! You can also schedule a free cab ride to get tested. If you don’t have another way to get to the site, we encourage you to use this service.
— @publichealthmdc (@PublicHealthMDC) June 25, 2020
Get tested often.
Knowing who is infected with the virus plays a big part in stopping the spread. Even if you don’t have symptoms, try to get tested every couple of weeks.
Wear a mask.
Even though you’re in your car the entire time, there is a small length of time before the test when you’ll have your window rolled down to answer the DHS staff’s questions. If you bike or walk up, you will be socially distanced in line, but it’s always best to protect those around you and wear a mask.
COVID-19 testing at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison is free. Testing hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The site will remain open until at least Aug. 31.
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