Drive-Thru Coronavirus Test Site Opens At Chicago Premium Outlets

AURORA, IL — People in and around the city of Aurora who are experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms can now get tested at a state-operated drive-thru testing site at the Chicago Premium Outlets, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Wednesday. The testing site in Aurora can collect up to 600 potential coronavirus samples each day, Pritzker said.

Tests will be conducted seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., unless testing capacity is reached before then, according to information from the City of Aurora. Those who are seeking tests must show photo identification. Health care workers and first responders can access drive-thru tests at the Aurora site even if they are not showing symptoms.

VNA Launches Coronavirus Testing In Aurora

All tests at the site are self-administered. Each person being tested will be given a swab and directions through their car window. Workers will not conduct any tests for people who walk to the drive-thru site.

City officials are encouraging those who are seeking tests to remain patient, as there will likely be a large demand.

VIDEO: Aurora Hospital Celebrates Release Of Coronavirus Survivor

The Illinois National Guard is managing operations at the site, located at 1650 Premium Outlet Boulevard, and the Aurora Police Department will oversee traffic management and security, according to the city.

“More widespread testing is a key goal for combating COVID-19. It’s a vital feature of our long-term path to building a new normal,” Pritzker said during his daily coronavirus briefing. “Along that path, we need to make testing more available and convenient to more people.”

Coronavirus: 2 Deaths, 41 New Cases In Aurora Over Weekend

Coronavirus in Kane Co.: 36 Deaths, 651 Cases As Of Monday

Illinois officials expect to open a fifth drive-thru testing location Friday in Rockford. The state also operates testing sites in Markham, Bloomington and Harwood Heights. The state will be able to collect up to 2,900 samples daily once the Rockford facility is up and running, Pritzker said.

Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, Police Chief Kristen Ziman, Fire Chief Gary Krienitz and Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Richard Neely will mark the facility’s opening with a news conference at the site later this afternoon.

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 22— Don't miss updates about precautions in the Aurora area as they are announced — Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.