Cases climb
COVID-19 cases continue to rise in county, testing to be held at fairgrounds
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Taylor County took another jump this week with state health offi cials announcing that as of Tuesday there have been 23 confirmed positive cases.
The county is listed as being in the moderate case rating by the state at having between 10 and 50 cases over the past two weeks. By comparison Clark County is in moderately high case rate with 118 total cases including seven deaths attributed to COVID-19. Marathon County has a high case rating with 304 cases and one death due to COVID-19.
As of July 14 there have been 37,906 confirmed cases in the state with 964 new cases reported on that day setting a new record. The average number of cases in the state over the past seven days is 764.
According to state data, the positive cases in Taylor County have been in the census blocks that include and sur- round the city of Medford and south toward the Taylor County border with Clark County.
The Taylor County Health Department and Taylor County Emergency Management are collaborating with the Wisconsin National Guard to provide free COVID-19 testing for Wisconsin residents only. The purpose of this event is to increase availability of free testing to the community.
The National Guard will provide drive-through COVID-19 testing for motor and non-motorized vehicles (no walk-throughs) in Medford on Tuesday, July 21 from 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. at the Taylor County Fair Grounds at the Hwy13 and 64 intersection. Look for posted signage for traffic direction. No appointments are necessary. All those five years of age or older are welcome to be tested, and those with any current symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to test. Symptoms include fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea, chills, and/or muscle aches.
Individuals that come for testing should be prepared to provide a current address, county of residence, and phone number when they arrive. Please be aware that the testing will be provided first come, first serve. Law enforcement will be present to assist with traffic. Due to the unknown amount of interest, prepare for potential wait time. It is requested that modes of transportation (cars, horse drawn buggies, etc.) form a line while waiting for testing, and that those who want to be tested, stay in or on their mode of transportation at all times. There are no public restrooms at the COVID-19 testing site.
The National Guard personnel may or may not be in uniform and will be wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) that includes gowns, masks, and gloves during this event.
Those tested will be required to stay home until test results come back. Test results will be provided via phone by the National Guard or by the local Public Health Department.
