As McHenry County COVID-19 Cases Surge, Testing Demand Increases

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — As the 7-day average positivity rate in McHenry jumped 12 percent, the highest it has been in nearly a year, more local residents are seeking COVID-19 tests but running into long lines and obstacles locating them.

On Monday, county health officials announced 1,362 new confirmed COVID-19 since Dec. 22, which brings McHenry County’s tally to 45,561 positive cases since the pandemic began.

No new COVID-19 deaths were reported by health officials, which leaves McHenry County’s death toll at 353. While hospitalizations have been declining in recent weeks, the incidence rate has jumped to just more than an average of 534 new cases per day around McHenry County.

Over the past 10 days, county officials have seen hospitalizations drop nine of those days with an increase coming in only one of those days.

The incidence rate, which had peaked at around 539 new daily cases per 10,000 residents in early December, had settled a bit, according to the McHenry County Department of Health. The daily cases had been hovering around 470 new daily cases before Monday’s new statistics were released.

McHenry County’s transmission rate remains high, health officials said, which has led to an increase in people seeking out testing sites.

Local testing sites include local Walgreen’s and CVS pharmacies along with the following locations:

• Quest Diagnostics, 260 E. Congress Parkway, Unit E, Crystal Lake

Physicians referrals and appointments are required at this location

• Aunt Martha’s Woodstock Community Health Center, 3703 Doty Rd., Woodstock

Those seeking tests should call in advance

• Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, 4201 Medical Dr., Woodstock

Appointments are required

• McHenry Community Health Center, 3901 Mercy Drive, McHenry

Those seeking testing should visit the health center’s website or call in advance

• Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, 10400 Haligus Rd., Huntley

Appointments are required

• Rocket Testing, 487 W.Virginia St., Crystal Lake, 1050 Northwest Highway, Fox River Grove

No physician referrals or appointments are necessary and drive-thru testing is available

• Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 W. Highway 22, Barrington

Appointments are required

• Center For COVID Control, 28944 W. Illinois Route 120, Lakemoor

No physician’s referral or appointment is necessary, but drive-thru testing is not available