Omicron Cases Surge In Palos: Where To Find COVID-19 Testing

PALOS, IL — Cook County Department of Public Health officials have issued a red alert as the omicron variant surges throughout suburban Cook County, indicating a high community transmission level.

Confirmed cases in south suburban Cook County shot up 199 percent over the past week. CCDPH is advising residents to get tested, get their vaccine and booster as soon as they can; and to practice social distancing.

In Palos Heights, confirmed cases have risen by 118 percent over the past 14 days, according to new data. Last week, 80 cases were reported, making for a weekly case rate of 663 cases per 100,000 people. The city has seen a total of 2,135 confirmed cases, making for a total confirmed case rate of 17,691 per 100,000 people.

Palos Hills saw cases rise by 42 percent over the past 14 days. Last week, 79 cases were reported, making for a weekly case rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The city has seen a total of 2,776 confirmed cases, making for a total confirmed case rate of 14,981 per 100,000.

In Palos Park, cases rose by 69 percent, over the past 14 days. Last week, 29 cases were reported, making for a weekly cases rate of 592 cases per 100,000 people. The village has seen a total of 714 confirmed cases, making for a total conformed case rate of 714 per 14,574 people.

According to a line graph on the CCDPH site, Palos COVID-19 case rates have trended ever or lower than the suburban Cook County average over the course of the pandemic as of Dec. 18. Weekly counts and rates are updated each Wednesday, and represent cases reported the previous Sunday through Saturday. Cases from the holidays have not yet added.

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As the omicron variant surges, so has demand for COVID-19 testing from those experiencing symptoms or been exposed to someone who tested positive, or for travel or school-related reasons. Call ahead to confirm hours and/or testing supplies.

Here are some locations in the Oak Lawn area offering COVID-19 testing. This list will be updated, so check back:

Physicians Immediate Care
4800 W. 129th St., Alsip
708-377-2169
9570 W. 159th St., Orland Park
708-675-7070
FROM THE CLINIC: If you are exhibiting symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment, but you may also walk into any clinic. You will receive a rapid antigen test.

Patients who do NOT have symptoms and need testing due to exposure or for travel, work, school, etc. can receive a Rapid COVID-19 PCR testing by appointment only. If you require a send-out PCR test, they are also available with results in 3-5 working days. Reserve a time.

Alzein COVID Drive-Up Test Site (Crestwood)
104025 S. Kostner Ave. (in the old Crestwood Civic Center)
Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
FROM THE CLINIC: PCR nasal swab testing is offered at no cost, which is covered by the U.S. Dept. of Human and Health Services. Results are emailed within 48 hours.
Rapid testing is available, but requires at a PCR test, if your insurance approves.
No appointment is necessary, but you can reserve an appointment if you like by calling 630-670-1673.

Evergreen Park WellNow Urgent Care
9501 A. Western Ave., Evergreen Park
P: 773-344-9465
F: 773-344-9466
FROM THE CLINIC: No appointment necessary. Walk in or schedule an appointment, especially if you are experiencing symptoms or think you have been exposed. Call or schedule a visit. Results reported by email.

Southwest Urgent Care
2955 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park
331-204-5896
9900 Southwest Highway, Oak Lawn
708-262-9975
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
FROM THE CLINIC: Call or schedule an appointment online. PCR (nasal swab testing) with results available with 48 hours. Rapid testing (mouth swabs) offered, with results available same day. Antibody testing also available, with results in 1 to 3 days.

Center for COVID Control
Offers free rapid and PCR testing in-office is open to any age. Call ahead to confirm test supplies. In-office, walk-up and/or drive-thru testing is offered at these locations; call ahead for appointment or hours:
3500 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park
773-870-5480
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

1942 W. 87th St., Chicago
224-276-7644
9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Sundays

7919 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago
630-205-6254
9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

12605 S. Western Ave., Blue Island
877-378-3060
8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday

7536 103rd St., Bridgeview
630-776-8251
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday