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WAUSAU – Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin is launching its next wave of drive-through testing locations for COVID-19. Starting March 26, drive-through testing sites will be available in Plover, Rhinelander and Crandon. Additional sites are currently in development.

 Individuals who wish to be tested at drive-through locations must first be pre-screened by an Ascension Medical Group provider by appointment, phone, or virtually using Ascension Online Care.  Those interested in this option for testing should contact their physician office.

This screening involves a series of questions about symptoms, travel history and any potential contact with COVID-19 patients. Patients who meet the criteria, which is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, will schedule an appointment for drive-through testing at the appropriate site.

The Plover site is located at Ascension St. Michael’s – Plover, 2401 Plover Road, open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.,  Participants who have been screened and scheduled for drive-through testing should use entrance B in Plover.

At the testing site, patients will remain in their vehicle at all times. An Ascension associate will look up the patient’s information in the electronic health record to confirm that they have been screened and require testing.

A throat culture and nasal swab samples will be collected and sent to a state-approved laboratory for analysis. Patients will be provided this information at the time of testing.

“We continue to collaborate closely with local and state health officials to ensure that community members experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested for the virus, while limiting exposure to keep the health and safety of our patients, associates and visitors as top priority,” said Dr. Stewart Watson, clinical vice president of Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin’s North Region.

According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and may appear 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms seen with the infection with COVID-19 are not specific, with cold-like symptoms in mild cases. Symptoms could include a fever, along with cough and  shortness of breath. If someone is elderly or has other medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes or cancer, they may get sicker from the virus and develop pneumonia or other lung problems. For more information on COVID-19, please visit cdc.gov.

There also is an Ascension COVID19 Hotline set up for those who have questions about COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms, or those who want to receive a text message to schedule an Ascension Online Care appointment with a provider. The toll-free number for Wisconsin is 1-833-981-0711.