For the Gazette

STEVENS POINT – No positive cases identified in National Guard-assisted testing held May 11-12 in Portage County.

The Portage County Health and Human Services Division of Public Health provided free community testing, with assistance from the Wisconsin National Guard.

This testing was for individuals experiencing symptoms and frontline workers with or without symptoms.

“Over the course of the two-day testing, 348 people were tested, and all of the results have been processed. There were two positive cases identified for individuals that reside in neighboring counties.  No positive tests have been identified for individuals that reside in Portage County from this community testing event,” Portage County Health and Human Services said in a release.

“Portage County has been successful in reducing cases of COVID-19 through the Safer-At-Home order.  Although the Supreme Court overruled the Safer-at-Home order, continuing to follow the guidance from this order is proven to be important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.  The order being lifted does not mean that the risk of contracting COVID-19 has decreased.  The order being lifted means that the responsibility of keeping our community safe has shifted from being enforced by law to relying on businesses and Portage County residents to make the choices that will keep our community safe.”

Portage County Division of Public Health encourages all community members to continue avoiding nonessential travel outside of the community especially avoiding locations with high rates of COVID-19 cases.