Drive-Thru Testing Site Coming to McLean County

Photo courtesy to the CDC Facebook page 

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- McLean County is participating in a pilot program with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to offer COVID-19 testing to individuals who meet specific criteria.

This Community Based Testing Site will operate out of the McLean County Fairgrounds and will be open seven days a week. The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The drive-thru testing center will remain open during their hours of operation or until the daily allotment of tests has been exhausted.

“We see so much value in being able to increase testing capacity in Central Illinois through testing sites like this one. We know that access to testing in our area and across the country has been a source of frustration and confusion,” stated McLean County Communication Specialist Dion McNeal.

However, testing is only available for those who meet the specific criteria.

The criteria is as follows: 

Healthcare workers with respiratory symptoms and a temperature of 100.4 or greater
• First responders with respiratory symptoms and a temperature of 100.4 or greater
• Seniors that are 65 or older with respiratory symptoms and a temperature of 100.4 or greater
• Patients with underlying medical conditions with respiratory symptoms and a temperature of 100.4 or greater

“Due to the demand for this service, we anticipate there could be significant wait times associated with these drive-thru community-based
testing sites. Please be patient,” stated McNeal.

As far as procedure goes, upon arrival at the site, individuals will be required to remain in their vehicles at all times.

Testing is limited to four individuals per vehicle, and those individuals must be seated at a seat with a working window. You will be required to show a photo identification, healthcare facility employee or first responder ID/badge.

There will be personnel in full medical protective gear will check the individual’s temperature with a no-touch thermometer and use a swab to obtain the necessary sample from the individual’s nose.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit coronavirus.illinois.gov or https://health.mcleancountyil.gov