LaSalle County Health Department Rapid Tests for Covid-19
The La Salle County Health Department has received rapid tests for COVID-19 and will start using them Monday, Nov. 2.
These rapid tests are designated to be used for the following individuals:
• Excluded symptomatic children who have not been in close contact to a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19, to help get them back into school.
• Employees who need a negative test result to return to work.
• Anyone who is planning to travel or has traveled.
Tests will be conducted 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the La Salle County Health Department parking lot at 717 Etna Road, Ottawa. Election day hours on Tuesday, Nov. 3, will be limited to 9 a.m. to noon. The test will be an anterior nasal swab with results available in 15 minutes.
Anyone in need of rapid testing should call the health department at 815-433-3366 to register.
In addition to rapid testing, the health department announced Friday it will continue to issue the (PCR) COVID-19 test to close contacts of people with confirmed cases. The best time for people to be tested is five to seven days after exposure to a person diagnosed with COVID-19. Testing of close contacts will be performed in the health department parking lot by appointment only.
Another option for people who want to be tested is to call the health department for an appointment at a Wednesday drive-thru testing site. Testing through the drive-thru site is open to the public regardless of symptoms, but appointments are required.
For the latest guidance, visit the health department’s website at lasallecounty.org. For general questions about COVID-19, call the Illinois Department of Public Health hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.