Portage, WI - Columbia County Public Health has requested assistance from the Wisconsin National Guard to provide free COVID-19 testing. The National Guard will be providing drive through COVID-19 nasal swab testing in Columbus on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. This event will be held at the Columbus Community Center located at 161 N. Dickason Blvd., Columbus, WI 53925. The free testing is open to the community and appointments are NOT necessary. In an effort to save time, we encourage online registration. If you do not register online, you will still be tested. Staff on site will assist in the registration process. Registration should be done no sooner than 24 hours prior to the event at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/en-US/ 

Due to the unknown amount of interest, prepare for potential wait times. It is requested that modes of transportation (vehicles, horse drawn buggies, etc.) form a line and stay in the mode of transportation at all times. No restroom facilities will be available on site, please plan accordingly. The National Guard will be doing the testing, they will be in uniform and full personal protective equipment. Individuals will be contacted with their results within 3-7 business days. A reminder to continue using safe practices like washing your hands, staying home and social distancing. Please visit our website for further guidance and up to date information at: https://www.co.columbia.wi.us/columbiacounty/hhs/HealthHumanService/PublicHealth/Coron avirus/tabid/9196/Default.aspx 

Please see this MAP for traffic flow.