In Illinois, anyone with COVID-19 symptoms (cough, shortness of breath and fever) can be tested for the virus without a doctor’s order. You can also get a test if you’ve been in contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 or if you have a compromised immune system or other chronic medical condition, even if you aren’t showing symptoms.
To protect the health and safety of those on the front lines and the people they serve, any essential worker—including health care workers, correctional facility staff, first responders, grocery store employees, gas station attendants, child care providers and more—can get a test whether or not they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Loretto Hospital is also now offering testing to patients, health care workers and first responders on the West Side. Drive-up and walk-in testing options are available at no cost to anyone who has symptoms or believes they were exposed to someone who tested positive. The site is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until testing runs out.
For more information on who can get a test, see this guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Find testing locations, hours and other information here.