Mobile COVID-19 testing units deploying to Aurora neighborhoods

Mobile COVID-19 testing units are fanning out to Aurora neighborhoods where the pandemic has taken a disproportionate toll.

The Illinois Department of Public Health, with support from the city of Aurora, is setting up a series of mobile testing units in the 60505 ZIP code, which accounts for 42% of all of Aurora's COVID-19 cases across its five ZIP codes.

"As we wait for the continued rollout of vaccines, we must continue to stay focused on mitigation efforts," Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said in a statement. "Getting a COVID-19 test, while following strict health safety guidelines, is a key way to help to protect our city."

The free testing sites are available for drive-through and walk-up clients from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on: Thursday at Aldi and the Fox Valley Flea Market, 1410 and 1500 E. New York St.; Monday at the East Aurora Flea Market, 175 N. State St.; and Tuesday at Supermercado La Chiquita, 651 Ashland Ave.

Testing is available at no cost. People getting tested don't have to have symptoms. A nasal swab test will be used, and results will be available in four to seven days.

The neighborhood mobile units will operate in addition to the state's COVID-19 testing site in Aurora, at 2450 N. Farnsworth Ave., across from the Chicago Premium Outlet Mall. The community-based testing site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To date, there have been 17,719 positive COVID-19 cases and 222 deaths in Aurora.