Free COVID-19 Walk-Up Testing Ending For 19th Ward Residents

CHICAGO — With confirmed coronavirus cases still surging around Cook County, Illinois and the rest of the country, the office of 19th Ward Alderman Matt O'Shea has been providing local residents with free COVID-19 testing.

But O'Shea's office announce that Thursday will be the final time residents can take advantage of the walk-up testing site offered by the ward.

The testing, which has been offered on Mondays and Thursdays, is again scheduled to take place this week. The 19th Ward office has partnered with Simple Laboratories to offer walk-up nasal COVID-19 testing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 19th Ward Mobile Site, 10402 S. Western Ave. Results should be emailed within 48 hours.

Due to the recent popularity of testing, people will be tested on a first come, first served basis, the ward office said. As a result, the line may extend outdoors, and local residents are asked to dress appropriately.

To expedite processing, residents are asked to download and print the necessary forms HERE. No appointments are needed. Masks are required. Residents should bring a picture I.D. and insurance card, if available.

As the mobile testing site is ending, the Ward has compiled a list of local testing sites.

On Thursday, January 13th, the 19th Ward and Jewel-Osco are hosting a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 2:00-7:00 pm at the Barraco's Event Center (3124 W. 111th St). First, second, and booster vaccine shots will be available by appointment only. To make an appointment, please click here. Anyone participating in this clinic will be permitted to park at CIBC Bank (3052 W. 111th St). COVID-19 Testing Options 1) Community Health Centers.

If residents don’t have a doctor or insurance, they can contact your nearest community health center to get free or low-cost testing and health care. No patient will be turned away because of the inability to pay. Insurance and ID are not required. Click here to search for a Community Health Center

Visit these pharmacies’ websites or call and ask about low or no-cost testing:

CVS Health

Local independent pharmacies

Walgreens: Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing for Ages 3+ > Walmart in partnership with Quest Diagnostics 3) Pediatric COVID-19 Testing Sites: CPS has verified a list of locations that offer pediatric COVID-19 testing in the Chicago area. Find a Pediatric Testing Site

Community-Based Testing: The City of Chicago has partnered with Rush University Medical Center and Esperanza Health Centers to provide low or no-cost COVID-19 testing at two locations. Click here for the Chicago Community-Based Testing

The State of Illinois operates community-based testing sites open to anyone, regardless of symptoms. Appointments are not required. Click here for Illinois-Based Testing NOTE: Due to a recent surge in COVID-19 testing demand, all labs are experiencing longer than usual turnaround times.

COVID-19 Vaccination Options COVID-19 vaccines are widely available throughout the area, including at doctors’ offices, hospitals, pharmacies, community health centers, City-operated clinics, pop-up locations, and other special events. All COVID-19 vaccines are offered at no cost. No government ID or insurance is required. Click here for the Vaccination Finder or call the City of Chicago's COVID-19 hotline for assistance at (312) 746-4835.