Mobile COVID-19 testing offered in Elgin and Hampshire next week
The Kane County Health Department recently announced that a mobile testing unit managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health will be in Kane County next week to provide coronavirus disease (COVID-19) tests to the community.
COVID-19 testing will be offered on Monday, Dec. 7, at the Elgin Sports Complex, 709 Sports Way, Elgin, and on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Hampshire High School, 1600 Big Timber Road in Hampshire.
The mobile testing unit will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Testing is free and open to all regardless of symptoms. If you have recently been exposed to a potential or confirmed COVID-19 case, you are encouraged to get tested, even if you are not experiencing symptoms. A phone number and name are required in order to receive testing results. Photo ID is not required.
Those using drive-thru testing must be seated at a functioning window. Once you get in line at the site, you will not be permitted to exit your car. Viral testing (polymerase chain reaction or PCR) will be used. This consists of a nasal swab and is used to detect a current COVID-19 infection.
Antibody testing will not be provided at this site.
If you have been told to quarantine for 14 days due to potential exposure, a negative test does not shorten your quarantine period. The virus can take up to 14 days to be detectable by a test, so it is important to continue the quarantine period through 14 days while monitoring for symptoms. Test results are expected in 4 to 7 calendar days.
The free drive-through community-based COVID-19 testing site in Aurora has relocated to 2450 N. Farnsworth Ave., across from the Chicago Premium Outlets.
The drive-through and walk-up testing site is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Testing is free and available to all regardless of age, COVID-19 symptoms, or insurance status. A parent or guardian must be present and able to provide consent for individuals under the age of 18.
Additional testing options are available in Kane County.
For more information about all available testing sites in Kane County, visit the IDPH website at Test-Illinois.com.
Many healthcare providers in Kane County also have COVID-19 testing available. Please contact your provider or the facility to ask about testing criteria and appointment availability. For additional information and current updates on the COVID-19 situation, visit KaneHealth.com or call the health department at (630) 208-3801.