MT. VERNON (WSIL) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health is making free COVID-19 Mobile Testing sites available throughout southern Illinois this week.
Hundreds of people each day have taken advantage of a mobile test site held at the Aquatic Zoo in Mount Vernon this past week.
Jermone Jones, Site Manager for HR Support, says the location will now remain open for an another week as the demand for testing continues to increase.
"It's best to know," he explains. "Some people are satisfying without knowing, which is dangerous, but it's better safe than sorry."
Jones says as long as the public continues to disregard COVID guidelines, community spread will continue.
Conducting a test is made simple with drive-up locations, that are completely contact-free.
Each individual handles their own swab. The swab drops into a vial and is then put into a bag.
No appointment is necessary, but some wait times are expected as Jones says testing at the Mt. Vernon location remained steady this past week.
"Some are concerned because they may know someone or a family member may have symptoms or have actually been notified that they're positive with COVID," says Jones, adding, "So they come up and get tested."
Mobile testing takes less than ten minutes and wait times depend on the number of cars in line.
Results are normally available within 4 to 7 days, but could take longer with more people being tested.
Anyone can be tested, regardless of symptoms or immigration status. There is no cost to the individual for testing, but they should bring their insurance card if they have one. However, insurance is not required. Specimens will be collected using a simple nasal swab. Drive-through and walk-up testing are both available at most locations.
Upcoming Locations:
Jackson
November 10
Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church
400 E. Main Street, Carbondale
8am � 4pm
November 11
Trico Community Unit School District
16343 State Route 4, Campbell Hill
8am � 4pm
November 12
Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church
400 E. Main Street, Carbondale
8am � 4pm
Jefferson
November 9-15
Aquatic Zoo
1700 S. 34th Street, Mt. Vernon
8am � 4pm
Madison
November 13
Southern Illinois University Soccer Stadium
3345 Stadium Drive, Edwardsville
8am � 4pm
November 14
Southern Illinois University Main Campus
3345 Stadium Drive, Edwardsville
8am � 4pm
St. Clair
November 9
4601 State Street, East St. Louis
8am � 4pm
November 14-15
Belleville West High School
4063 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville
8am � 4pm
November 15
4601 State Street, East St. Louis
8am � 4pm
