Who should get COVID-19 test?

Based on CDC,

  • People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • People who have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
  • People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, localexternal icon or state ​health department.

Not everyone needs to be tested. If you do get tested, you should self-quarantine/isolate at home pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.

  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.

Where can I find COVID-19 test locations?

Do I Need a COVID-19 Test?

Illinois Lake County COVID-19 Testing Site Locator

Walgreens Contactless COVID-19 Testing for Ages 3+

Testing Site Locations in Illinois

Illinois COVID-19 Testing Sites

COVID–19: Testing | DuPage County Health, IL

Illinois Cook County COVID-19 Test Sites

  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.
  • There are 3 type tests.
  • Rapid antigen Test is popular and hard to schedule it. You may want to drive-through test. The Drive-through may take a long waiting time. Alternatively, you may call your doctor and you may get
    Rapid antigen Test in a clinic.

What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19 while the test is negative?

Based on CDC, you should self-isolate for at least 10 days after symptom onset and resolution of fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and with improvement of other symptoms.

You do not need a follow-up negative test to return to work or school, as long as It has been at least at least 10 days after symptom onset and resolution of fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and with improvement of other symptoms.

  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.

What should I do if one of my family members has COVID-19

Yes, based om CDC, if you have been in close contact (less than 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection and do not have symptoms.​

  • You need a test.
  • A single negative test does not mean you will remain negative at any time point after that test.
    • Even if you have a negative test, you should still self-isolate for 14 days.
  • If you cannot self-isolate, or you are a critical infrastructure worker that must work, wear a mask, physically distance, avoid crowds and indoor crowded places, wash your hands frequently, and monitor yourself for symptoms.
  • If you live with a person at increased risk of severe illness (for example an elderly person or other individuals with underlying medical conditions), take special precautions in the home to protect that individual according to CDC guidelines.
  • Healthcare providers in close contact of a person with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection while using recommended personal protective equipment, do not need to be tested

Nasal self-swab test Step by step

  1. Receive a Nasal self-swab test kit, swab and tube of medium.

2. Remove the nasal swab from the wrapper by pulling two ends of the wrapper and peel away from the swab.

3. Position head back slightly. Gently insert tip into the one nostril until you meet slight resistance.

4. When the swab is in place, rotate again the inside of the nose for 3 seconds. Remove the swab from the nostril and repeat the same steps in another nostril.

5. While holding the swab, remove the cap off the tube. Insert the swab tip all the way down into the tube, continue to hold the swab by the handle.

6. Break the swab handle short enough to fit inside the tube without touching the lid. Recap the tube securely.

7. Ensure the tube is labeled with two unique identifies (your name and the date of birth) and place tube into the specimen bag and seal the bag.

That’s it! Now, wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.

COVID-19 Symptoms, test and how to collections