OMRO, Wis. – In response to an increased number of positive COVID-19 cases in the Omro community, ThedaCare will be offering free testing to residents this week. On Tuesday, leaders with the School District of Omro announced in-person classes at the high school would be canceled for at least a week, and county health leaders are urging community members to be tested.
“We commend the School District of Omro for quickly identifying and responding to the increased number of positive cases in the area,” said Dr. Mark Cockley, ThedaCare Chief Clinical Officer. “To best manage community spread of COVID-19, testing and contact tracing are critical. Testing gives health systems and public health officials insight to the breadth and depth of those infected in our communities. Identifying positive cases early and initiating an isolation process is also crucial to limit the spread in our communities.”
The free mobile testing will take place on Thursday, February 18 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. in the Omro High School parking lot, 455 Fox Trail, Omro, WI 54963. ThedaCare has the resources to provide 300-400 tests during this time.
The drive-through testing is free and is available to all community members experiencing symptoms, those who believe they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and anyone who is worried about possibly having the virus. Though appointments are not required, they are recommended; individuals can pre-register online at doineedacovid19test.com or register onsite. You do not need to be a ThedaCare patient to receive a test. Those seeking testing do not need to be a resident of the community where these testing sites are located. Individuals under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian present to consent to testing. Results will be given online, or through a phone call if necessary.
“We want to make testing available to as many students, staff and community members as possible, and we appreciate ThedaCare providing the resources to do so,” said Superintendent Jay Jones, School District of Omro. “Our goal is to return to the classroom safely. We believe community-wide testing can help achieve that goal.”
At this time, it is critically important to follow best public health practices including wearing a mask, staying home, maintaining physical distance, washing hands frequently and getting vaccinated when you are eligible.
For those unsure about their symptoms and want more information about whether or not they should seek testing, they can access the ThedaCare online symptom checker at ThedaCareCovid19.org. After completing a brief questionnaire about their symptoms, individuals will be given more information about next steps to take, including how to schedule a test. The site also includes information about COVID-19, testing, online care options and other important news and updates.
