A member of the Wisconsin National Guard waits for the next patient as part of mobile testing in Buffalo County, Wis., May 1. Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen provided COVID-19 testing alongside Buffalo County Emergency Management and county health officials in support of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services request in Buffalo County. Wisconsin National Guard Photo by Spc. Emma Anderson
The limited amount of tests prior to this week had made testing in the area largely unavailable for those exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.
Three Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen and one local medical professional help facilitate mobile testing in Buffalo County, Wis., May 1. Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen provided COVID-19 testing alongside Buffalo County Emergency Management and county health officials in support of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services request in Buffalo County. Wisconsin National Guard Photo by Spc. Emma Anderson
Three Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen and one local medical professional help facilitate mobile testing in Buffalo County, Wis., May 1. Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen provided COVID-19 testing alongside Buffalo County Emergency Management and county health officials in support of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services request in Buffalo County. Wisconsin National Guard Photo by Spc. Emma Anderson
A member of the Wisconsin National Guard waves a patient through mobile testing in Buffalo County, Wis., May 1. Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen provided COVID-19 testing alongside Buffalo County Emergency Management and county health officials in support of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services request in Buffalo County. Wisconsin National Guard Photo by 1st Lt Meghan Skrepenski
“The turnout was surprising, even when we were expecting a high turnout,” Lovelace said
“I think the soldiers were anxious to get on the mission to help out their fellow Wisconsinites,” he said. “And despite the little bit of rain we are getting, they are staying fairly positive. They are happy to be helping their fellow citizens, and that is what keeps them excited.”
Two Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen help facilitate mobile testing in Buffalo County, Wis., May 1. Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen provided COVID-19 testing alongside Buffalo County Emergency Management and county health officials in support of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services request in Buffalo County. Wisconsin National Guard Photo by 1st Lt Meghan Skrepenski
“This is not typically what I am trained to do, but the Army has given us the ability to be here and provide COVID-19 testing,” she said.
A member of the Wisconsin National Guard safely takes off her personal protective equipment as part of mobile testing in Buffalo County, Wis., May 1. Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen provided COVID-19 testing alongside Buffalo County Emergency Management and county health officials in support of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services request in Buffalo County. Wisconsin National Guard Photo by 1st Lt Meghan Skrepenski
A member of the Wisconsin National Guard safely takes off her personal protective equipment as a new team of Soldiers and Airmen walk to replace her team as part of mobile testing in Buffalo County, Wis., May 1. Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen provided COVID-19 testing alongside Buffalo County Emergency Management and county health officials in support of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services request in Buffalo County. Wisconsin National Guard Photo by 1st Lt Meghan Skrepenski
“We were kind of hesitant, we weren’t sure how much turn-out a rural community would bring, but the turn-out this morning has been amazing,” he said. “This just goes to show that even in the rural setting where people think this isn’t a big deal, it is a big deal, as there is a concern. I think this is a huge service to the residents of these counties and others that came in to get it because it’s free and you don’t have to have a doctor’s orders to come and get it.”
Fuerbringer said testing was for those feeling symptomatic to come in and get checked, and many of those tested were displaying COVID-19 symptoms.
“This has been a real boon to this area and fighting the COVID situation, and we appreciate the state and the Guard’s support,” Fuerbringer said.