City of Milwaukee expands COVID-19 testing to children as young as 1 year old

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee is now testing children as young as one year of age for COVID-19 at its community testing sites. 

The expansion comes in response to a modification of orders from the state's chief medical officer, Dr. Ryan Westergaard.

Previously, children had to be at least five years old to be tested. 

“We are excited by the changes to Dr. Westergaard’s order to allow for testing of young children. This age expansion allows parents and medical providers to access free testing at a time when many children are returning to preschool and daycare settings,” Milwaukee Health Department’s Dr. Heather Paradis said. “Testing is a necessary step to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the places where children live, learn, and play.”

The Milwaukee Health Department operates three testing sites:

• Southside Health Center -- 1639 S. 23rd Street
• Northwest Health Center -- 7630 W. Mill Road
• American Family Field (formerly Miller Park) -- 1 Brewers Way

All testing is conducted with a PCR test which is collected through a nasal swab. Results are typically returned within 24-48 hours. 

The health department says parents should always contact their children's regular medical provider first with concerns of illness, but community testing is available for those with known exposures and who do not require medical care.