Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recent announcement on changes regarding COVID-19 testing protocols, the City of Evanston’s Health & Human Services Department continues to recommend testing for asymptomatic contacts of COVID-19 cases as well as those with potential exposure to COVID-19. 

In order to slow the spread of the virus, the quick identification of cases via testing is a vital step to conduct thorough and effective contact tracing. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends asymptomatic close contacts of confirmed cases to get tested five to seven days after the last known potential exposure.

“In the face of increasing infections, we need to promote more testing, not less, to identify new cases and interrupt further transmission,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Given that asymptomatic individuals have been linked to virus spread, we will maintain our more stringent guidance to support testing of any Illinois resident who thinks they may have been exposed, as well as asymptomatic close contacts of confirmed cases 5-7 days post exposure.”

Evanston community members may visit any of the State’s COVID-19 community-based, drive-through testing sites to receive a free test, regardless of symptoms. The nearest community-based testing locations to Evanston include:

Harwood Heights

6959 W. Forest Preserve Rd., Chicago

Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily while supplies last 

Arlington Racetrack

2000 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights

Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily while supplies last

Testing is also offered by local healthcare providers, including NorthShore University HealthSystem, AMITA Health St. Francis Hospital and Erie Health Center. Residents should contact their healthcare provider for testing guidelines and requirements.