How COVID-19 testing has evolved since pandemic was declared one year ago today
March 11, 2021 3:14 PM
Jamie Perez
Updated:
MADISON, Wis. — One year ago today, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Many things have changed and evolved over the past 365 days including our testing capabilities.
According to Public Health Madison Dane County’s COVID Response Specialist Sarah Schwartz, testing is now much more widely available to anyone.
“We didn’t have as many people coming through a year ago because there were criteria to come and get tested,” Schwartz said.
When testing first became available, members of the Wisconsin National Guard were administering the tests to those who were experiencing symptoms or believe they were exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus. As time went on, the Guard members trained Public Health staff, EMTs, etc. and testing is now available to anyone.