AURORA (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The State of Illinois has started to make testing for COVID-19 more accessible, opening two new coronavirus testing sites - one in Aurora and one in Rockford - for people who suspect they have COVID-19.
“Greater testing capacity is needed so that healthcare workers, first responders and those who continue to be on the job can be tested before they unknowingly spread the virus,” IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement. “Testing is essential to identify those who are infected. More testing will help us end this pandemic sooner.”
The two new facilities will be drive-thru facilities, according to a press release from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The Illinois National Guard opened Wednesday a new, drive-thru testing site in Aurora at the Chicago Premium Outlets mall. Officials said the testing site will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until supplies are exhausted, with a maximum of 600 tested every day.
The other, located at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford, is set to open Friday. The Rockford site will also be open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Between these two new sites and our three existing sites in Markham, Bloomington, and Harwood Heights - five drive-thrus can run up to 2,900 tests per day when the Rockford test site is fully up and running," Governor Pritzker said.
The Governor said testing is key to combating COVID-19.
"Anyone who has COVID-19-like symptoms, even if they do not have a doctor's order, can get a test at these locations; and this is the criteria we are encouraging testing providers all across the state to follow as well," he said.
Those wishing to be tested must be seated at a functioning window in their vehicles. Once in line, patients are not permitted to exit their vehicles. Patients will be asked to show photo identification.Officials said testing is free, and results are expected in 24 to 72 hours.