Campuses in the University of Wisconsin System are working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide rapid COVID-19 tests.
The Abbot BinaxNOW tests can provide results in 15 minutes, according to a press release from the UW System sent Wednesday.
About 250,000 of the tests will be available at "surge testing" sites on UW campuses.
"Our universities are perfectly positioned to help Wisconsin combat the spread of COVID-19," UW System President Tommy Thompson said. "This is the Wisconsin Idea in action, and a recognition of our existing work to keep our students, faculty, and staff as safe as possible during the pandemic."
The federal government bought 150 million of the rapid tests in August to distribute around the country in areas hit hard by the coronavirus.
"Testing is a critical component in our battle against COVID-19," said Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams. "Not everyone develops symptoms, so someone could be spreading the virus without knowing it."
Officials hope that the additional tests help contain the virus' spread. If people know they are infected, the theory goes, then they will take the steps needed to prevent spreading the illness to others.
Individuals seeking to be tested will register online, proceed to the testing site, administer the test themselves under supervision and label it for processing.
Those hoping to take the test can register for free at www.doineedacovid19test.com.
Normal COVID-19 tests can take days to give results depending on local demand and processing times.
A complete list of when and where testing will be available is below.
To read more go to WKOW: https://wkow.com/2020/11/04/rapid-covid-19-tests-available-at-uw-campuses/