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Need a coronavirus test? No restrictions now at community-based testing sites

The state has announced expanded criteria that in practice should allow anyone to get tested for the coronavirus regardless of symptoms.

“As we move forward, COVID-19 testing must be widely available and this is a step in that direction,” Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau said in a press release. “The state-operated Community-Based Testing Sites currently have the capacity to test more than 6,000 people per day, and now there will be no restrictions to who can be tested for this potentially deadly virus.”

Tests will be conducted at no cost to the individual in a drive-through capacity at a number of community-based test sites run by the state, including locations in Aurora, Auburn/Gresham/Chatham, Bloomington, Champaign, East St. Louis, Harwood Heights, Peoria, Rockford, Rolling Meadows, South Holland and Waukegan. IDPH officials recommend testing 5-7 days after being in congregated public settings.

“As people gather in large crowds with varying degrees of social distancing, there is cause for concern about COVID-19 spread and outbreaks, especially if masks were not worn universally,” IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. “I urge anyone who recently attended a rally, protest, or other mass gathering to get tested for COVID-19 so we can identify any cases early. We recommend testing 5-7 days after participating in large group rallies, or immediately if symptoms develop. If there are known cases, we can make sure those people are quarantined and not exposing other individuals.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging anyone who recently has been part of mass gatherings, protests etc. to be tested.

For further information on public and private testing location sites and times available, visit http://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.

Source: The Daily Chronicle

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