ROCK FALLS — Whiteside County Health Department said it is complying with a request from the Illinois Department of Public Health to pause rapid antigen tests for the coronavirus to preserve dwindling resources.
Cory Law of the Whiteside department said the state is asking local health departments to prioritize testing and preserve resources for schools. Law said the state is exploring options to provide resources and assistance to schools and community testing.
This pause also includes the “Know Before You Go” testing which the Whiteside department had been offering on Fridays but planned on replacing with its antigen testing.
The change comes the same day the Whiteside department had instituted a change in rapid testing procedures to cope with what it called an “overwhelming demand” of its service. It had said on Wednesday that it was limiting its period of testing and warned the its supply of antigen tests could run out.
Testing is on the rise across Sauk Valley region.
According to data posted by the IDPH from the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System, Whiteside County has administered 1,158 tests since the end of counting on Sunday and through 2:30 p.m. on Thursday. I-NEDSS Testing revealed an additional 58 cases during that time period.
In that time time period, Ogle County has administered 664 tests, Lee County 461 tests and Carroll County 155 tests.
Testing in Lee County is handled by KSB Town Square Centre Lab located at 101 W. Second Street, Dixon. An appointment is required by calling your KSB provider’s office.
Walgreen’s stores also offer drive-thru testing.
Source: The Daily Chronicle
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