UW System Offers COVID-19 Antigen Testing Free for Students and Faculty
students, employees and can get tested at local schools
UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout recently announced they will offer free rapid-result COVID-19 tests to students and employees as part of a system-wide effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, according to a media release from UW System President Tommy Thompson.
The UW System will provide about 250,000 Abbot BinaxNOW antigen tests, which yield results in 15 minutes, in a partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A positive result warrants a free polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to confirm results, which yields results in a few days. Testing is self-administered with supervision from medical professionals. (Read that as: You can stick cotton swabs up your own nose. Huzzah!)
If you’re not experiencing symptoms or you haven’t been in contact with someone who has tested positive, don’t worries: You can still get tested. Individuals who do not live in Eau Claire or Menomonie can also take advantage of the resource.
University officials say testing will last about six weeks, or until supplies run out.
Here’s what you need to know about getting tested in Eau Claire and Menomonie:
EAU CLAIRE
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services partnered with UW-Eau Claire and UW-Eau Claire – Barron County to provide about 15,000 tests to students, faculty, and staff beginning Thursday, Nov. 5. Asymptomatic community members who would like to be tested can visit Memorial High School on Nov. 14 and 15, and Wednesday, Nov. 18. You must register to be tested at doineedacovidtest.com.
Antigen testing for students, faculty, and staff will be available in the Dakota Ballroom of the Davies Student Center from 8am to 5pm. Tests take about 30 minutes and operate separately from Davies Center activities. You can enter for testing through the Southwest Service doors next to the loading dock. People with disabilities may arrange with the university to enter the doors nearest to The Cabin for elevator use.
You must register to be tested at doineedacovid19test.com.
MENOMONIE
UW-Stout will offer free rapid-result antigen COVID-19 tests to community members, aged 5 and older, beginning Friday, Nov. 6.
Testing is offered in the West Gym on the ground floor of the Sports and Fitness Center, at the southwest corner of Third Street East and 13th Avenue East, between 8am-5pm Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from 11am to 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Signs will be posted with appropriate directions.
You must register to be tested at doineedacovid19test.com.
