File Photo – Barrington High School | Photo: Barrington Community Unit School District 220.

Health officials in Lake and McHenry counties have announced that a mobile COVID-19 testing unit is coming to Crystal Lake this week and then Barrington this weekend.

The McHenry County Department of Health and Lake County Health Department said on Tuesday that the testing will be free and available to everyone.

The mobile unit will be managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

It will first be going to the Lippold Park Golf Center parking lot, 1251 Route 176 in Crystal Lake, on Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. while supplies last.

It will then go to Barrington High School, 616 West Main Street in Barrington, on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. while supplies last.

“Getting tested helps health officials in the North Suburban Region identify and isolate cases and quarantine contacts quickly to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” said Melissa Adamson, Public Health Administrator for the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH).

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“As we head toward flu season, please take preventative steps to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses. Get your flu shot, and follow the 3 Ws: Wear a mask, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance,” Adamson said.

Testing is free and open to all regardless of symptoms. A phone number and name are required in order to receive testing results.

Photo identification and proof of insurance are helpful, but not required, officials said, adding that high demand for testing may result in long wait times.

“We encourage our residents to take advantage of the mobile testing site or Community-Based Testing Sites and get tested right away if they are experiencing symptoms, or 5-7 days after being exposed to an infected person,” said Mark Pfister, Executive Director at the Lake County Health Department.

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“Getting tested and cooperating with case investigators and contact tracers helps protect your friends and family,” Pfister added.

Those utilizing drive-thru testing must be seated in their car and will not be permitted to exit their vehicle once in line. All sites will also accommodate walk-up individuals.

There are also state-run community-based testing sites located at 102 West Water Street in Waukegan, 2000 West Euclid Avenue in Arlington Heights, and 1601 Parkview Avenue in Rockford, which are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Testing at these sites is free and more information is available on the IDPH website.

Health officials warned that if you are told to quarantine for 14 days due to potential exposure to an infected person, a negative test result does not shorten your quarantine period.

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“The virus can take up to 14 days to be detectable in the body by a test, so it is important to continue the quarantine period through 14 days while monitoring for symptoms,” health officials said.

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