IDPH To Boost Coronavirus Testing Capacity At Aurora Site

AURORA, IL — Amid a huge surge in new coronavirus and “soaring” demand for tests, public health officials are set to expand the capacity at Illinois’ three most-visited testing sites, including its location in Aurora, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thursday.

“It should come as no surprise, given our current rates of spread, that we’re now seeing a soaring demand for tests across the state,” Pritzker said.

Coronavirus Hospitalizations Up 400% In Region 8 Since Oct. 1

The Illinois Department of Public Health will make more tests available starting this weekend at its site in near the Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora, as well as at its testing sties in Arlington Heights and Harwood Heights, Pritzker said.

The IDPH runs 11 coronavirus testing sites across the state, and many are being forced to close early due to a huge boom in demand, Pritzker said. That demand is expected to continue growing with Thanksgiving less than two weeks away.

72% Of Coronavirus Cases Traced In Kane County: IDPH

"We continue to build on our testing capability, but as always, we are limited by the speed at which existing public and private lab capacity can grow and by the physical layouts of these drive-thru locations," Pritzker said. "Still, we intend to remain among the best in the nation in testing."

‘Critical Need’ For COVID-19 Survivors’ Plasma Deepens Amid Surge

Pritzker did not specify how many more tests would be made available at the state’s testing sites, and IDPH representatives did not respond Friday to Patch’s request for details.

REGIONAL NEWS:

• Coronavirus Cases Up Nearly 50% In West Aurora Over Past Week
• Kelly Clarkson Zooms Into South Elgin Teacher’s Music Class
• Stay-At-Home Recommendation, Not Order, Issued For Next 3 Weeks
• Woman Sought For Armed Robbery At Aurora Grocery Store: Police