FLORENCE, Wis. — Florence County Health Department is collaborating with the Wisconsin National Guard to provide free COVID-19 testing.

The drive-thru event will be held on Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. behind the Natural Resource Center, 5628 Forestry Drive in Florence.

Pre-registration will be available within 24 hours of the event at http://register.covidconnect.wi.gov.

No appointments are necessary. Anyone 5 years and older is eligible to test. Symptoms include fever, cough, loss of taste/smell, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, chills or muscle aches. This event is only available to people who live or work in Wisconsin.

Individuals getting tested should be prepared to provide a current address, county of residence and phone number when they arrive. Please be aware that the testing will be provided first come, first serve and that attendees may have to wait to be tested. Vehicles will form a line while waiting for testing, and all attendees will need to stay in or on their vehicle at all times. No restroom facilities will be available on site.

The National Guard will collect nasal swabs while in uniform and in full personal protective equipment including gowns, mask, gloves, etc.) during this event. The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that will be used is over 99% accurate, health officials said.

The National Guard will be making phone calls to negative cases and the local health departments of your primary residence will follow up on positive cases. Generally, test results are known within 4-5 days of sample submission.

There are alternative testing sites in the state of Wisconsin throughout October. Any Wisconsin resident is welcome to attend any one of the testing events.