Illinois is expanding testing for the coronavirus.
The expanded testing efforts don’t require a doctor’s order. Anyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache or new loss of taste or smell ?can be tested.
All essential workers are also able to get tested, even if they are not showing symptoms.
Shawnee Health Service is one of the agencies participating. Executive Director Patsy Jensen said the tests are available to the entire community, even if they are not a patient at Shawnee.
“We’re also focusing in on corrections workers, workers who’ve worked at Gilster-Mary Lee or Manor Court, anyone at a rehab facility, long-term care, a jail or prison, a hospital or detention center,” Jensen said.
Shawnee is offering tests in Carbondale, Murphysboro and Carterville. Testing will also be offered in Marion starting the first week of May.
The SIU Center for Family Medicine is also taking part in the expanded testing efforts at their Carbondale, Springfield and Quincy locations.
