Coronavirus In IL: NW Side Testing Spot Expands Testing, Ages

CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Fire Department announced expanded testing times at the Northwest Side site located at 6959 Forest Preserve Drive. According to the fire department, the testing site opened at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, and will have 500 tests per day, seven days a week. The site is now open to:

• First responders
• Medical professionals
• Anyone over 18 years old with symptoms
• Anyone over 60 years old with other medical issues regardless of symptoms

Seniors 65 and older with symptoms can be tested at this location without an order from a doctor, according to an email from a state spokesperson to Patch.

Testing is first come, first served, fire officials said.

There have also been several reports of urging those needing tested to arrive and get in line early.

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The fire department announced last week that this site was the first to be open to members of the public over 60 years old (who were showing symptoms of the coronavirus at the time).

If you've been to this site, or been tested at this site, share your experience in the comments section, or email details to rebecca.bream@patch.com.

Related:

• Coronavirus In IL: NW Side Testing Spot Open For Those Over 60
• Illinois Coronavirus Update April 8: 15,078 Cases; 462 Deaths

The number of coronavirus cases in Illinois for the first time grew by more than 1,000 on Friday when state health officials announced 1,203 new cases and 53 additional deaths from COVID-19, the illness caused by the new virus. On Wednesday, the state's total number of cases was 15,078 and the death total from the coronavirus was 462.

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