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This bulletin is being sent to school district administrators, private school administration representatives, and tribal school contacts. Local health officers and tribal health directors are courtesy copied for awareness.
Free programs to keep students, staff and families safe from COVID-19
As the holidays approach, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) wants to remind schools/districts of its free programs for COVID-19 self-tests and treatment. DHS urges you to share the resources below with your broader communities to help keep them safe during the winter season and to encourage testing before returning to school after winter break.
For Schools/Districts
At-home rapid antigen tests. These can be ordered by school districts and private/independent schools for K-12 students and staff. Click here to learn more and for instructions on ordering. Suggestions for distributing these tests to school communities include:
- Handing them out to parents/guardians during drop-off and pick-up times.
- Keeping tests in health rooms to send home with symptomatic students.
- Allowing adults to pick up tests at the school office during set times.
- Offering a pick-up table at athletic events, performances and concerts at the school.
To receive tests before winter break, schools should place orders for at-home tests by Dec. 15 to allow time for shipping and distribution to students and families.
The K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program connects schools with vendors for testing services and supplies. To enroll, complete this form and contact DHSK12COVIDTesting@dhs.wisconsin.gov with any questions.
For All Wisconsinites
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Free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests sent directly to homes. The Say Yes! COVID Test program allows Wisconsinites to order one box of five rapid antigen tests each month, and orders can be placed starting the first of every month. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should take a test immediately. If you test positive, stay home for five days as recommended by the CDC, separate yourself from others, and notify those who may have been exposed. Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should take a test five days after being exposed to someone with COVID-19.
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Free COVID-19 Treatment Telehealth consultations. People 18 and older who test positive for COVID-19 can meet via phone or internet with a healthcare clinician within five to 30 minutes. If eligible, a clinician will prescribe an antiviral pill that reduces the risk for severe symptoms, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. The prescription can be filled at over 700 pharmacies. Insurance is not required; those without pharmacy access can have medicine shipped overnight. Telehealth is available statewide, with consultations available in multiple languages seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including holidays. At-home COVID-19 tests or tests performed by a healthcare provider or a community testing site are acceptable.
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Free COVID-19 antiviral treatments. These are available to individuals who test positive for COVID-19. Antiviral pills must be taken within five days of symptoms starting, even if symptoms are mild, making it essential to quickly access a clinician for a prescription.
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