Bloomington COVID-19 site can now test some without symptoms

Posted on April 29, 2020
The guidelines for those who can be tested have been expanded (PHOTO:Scott Miller/WJBC)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – The local COVID-19 drive-thru testing site has received direction that it can loosen the guidelines on who can be tested.

The site, located at the McLean County Fairgrounds, can now test those with or without symptoms who:

  • Work in a health care facility
  • Work in correctional facilities, such as jails or prisons
  • Serve as first responders, such as paramedics, emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officers, or firefighters
  • Support critical infrastructure, such as workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, public utilities, factories, childcare and sanitation

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, anyone with COVID-like illness or symptoms can get a test, even without a doctor’s note.  COVID-19 symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and fever.

The testing location can administer about 250 tests per day.  On Tuesday, the McLean County Emergency Management Agency said 112 people were tested.  The site has never hit the 250 mark.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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