COVID-19 testing centers now open to all, regardless of symptoms

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Anyone can get a test for COVID-19 now at the State of Illinois community-based testing sites, regardless of symptoms or other criteria.

“As we move forward, COVID-19 testing must be widely available and this is a step in that direction,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “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.”

No appointment, doctor referral, or insurance is needed at state operated drive-thru sites and testing is available at no cost to the individual.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is recommending anyone who has recently been part of a mass gathering, including rallies and protests over the past week, get tested for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).  

“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,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike.  “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 virus has been found to spread between people up to a couple days before people start showing symptoms.

A list of public and private testing sites can be found on the IDPH website at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.

*Walk-up testing is available at Bloomington, East St. Louis, and Peoria.