Long lines continue at COVID testing sites after the holidays

 

DEALFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The long lines continued at COVID-19 testing sites across SE Wisconsin on Monday, Jan. 3.

The holidays are over, but the need for tests continues as people travel internationally and kids go back to school. 

People waited in line for about an hour at Summit Laboratories in Delafield, most of the wait outside in the cold. 

This is the line currently in Delafield at Summit Clinic Laboratories. People are waiting just under an hour in the cold to get a #COVID19 test. pic.twitter.com/0gdpXjqHkA

— Amanda Becker (@AmandaBeckerTV) January 3, 2022

"We jumped from this site did about 400 a day, to now this site is doing over a thousand a day," said Joe Lelivelt, the site coordinator for Summit Laboratories. 

As more people test positive, the need grows for testing. 

Jamie Dahms brought her son to get tested before he goes back to school.

"We just had multiple people in the house test positive so just need to make sure before we go back," said Dahms. "We actually came here earlier this morning and it was wrapped all the way around the building." 

Dahms looked for a place with a shorter line, but had no luck. She said Summit Laboratories was the only place open in the area.

"So we just decided to come back," said Dahms. 

While the line was a little shorter when she returned at 11 a.m., there were still a few dozen people waiting outside.

"Everyone's sold out of tests until Saturday," said Tracy Wallner. "I called around, so it's hard to find somewhere to go." 

Lelivelt said he doesn't expect the lines to go down any time soon. 

"I think it's a mix of the up-and-down weather, the holidays, everybody getting together and travel plans," said Lelivelt. 

Health care workers at Summit Laboratories recommend getting tested if you think you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms.

Here is a list of places to get tested in the Waukesha area, according to the Waukesha County Health Department.