Healthcare workers stand behind a table at the testing site in the Mertz Motorelli Gym. The site utilizes the Abbot BinaxNow antigen test, which can provide results in around 15 minutes.
File Photo by Promethean Staff

On Nov. 9, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the UW System, the University of Wisconsin-Superior announced that the campus will serve as one of the first surge testing sites for rapid COVID-19 results. The temporary testing site is located in the Mertz Mortorelli Gym inside of the Marcovich Wellness Center. The site will be a service to the greater Twin Ports community in response to the increasing number of cases in the state of Wisconsin and surrounding areas.

A sign outside of the Marcovich Wellness Center guiding community members to the COVID-19 test site. The site opened on Nov. 9 in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the UW System
A sign outside of the Marcovich Wellness Center guiding community members to the COVID-19 test site. The site opened on Nov. 9 in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the UW System.
File Photo by Promethean Staff

“The addition of this testing site is in response to the increasing number of cases in our region, and we are pleased to take this leadership role,” said Chancellor Reneé Wachter in a statement.

Abbott BinaxNow antigen tests will be used at the site, providing results in approximately 15 minutes. The tests will be self-administered, under the supervision of medical professionals, by use of a nasal swab. PCR confirmation tests will be provided by the state Department of Health Services for those who need them.

The site is open to Minnesota and Wisconsin residents 5 years of age or older, regardless of symptoms. The site will also be available to both residential and non-residential UW-Superior students and employees.

“I am so grateful to everyone who has stepped up to make this happen in such a short time. Your efforts will undoubtedly save lives and help our community weather this difficult time,” said Wachter in a message to University employees.

Registration is required and can be completed at www.doineedacovid19test.com. Results will also be retrieved through a portal at this web address. Daily spots are limited at the site and will be issued on a firstcome, first-served basis. Masks are required for entry to the testing site.

More information can be found at www.uwsuper.edu/COVIDtest.