The local response to some changes in testing and quarantines are underway. The CDC changed the guidelines this past weekend from 10 days to five days for asymptomatic people.
“At this time, we are still awaiting the Illinois Department of Public Health’s adoption of this new guidance and additional directive as appropriate,” said Jessica McKnight, Health Department Administrator. “Once provided with this information, our department will adapt accordingly and provide this information to our partners and the public. We are following IDPH guidance for quarantine.”
PCR testing is rounding a close. The last day to get a PCR test in Friday, Dec. 31. Replacing all of the PCRs? That’s the antigen tests.
“The ‘gold standard’ for testing still remains the PCR as antigen tests are generally less sensitive and typically are most accurate when an individual is symptomatic,” said McKnight. “However, antigen tests serve an important purpose as they typically return results in around 15-30 minutes and are, again, most accurate when someone is symptomatic.”
MCHD does not currently offer COVID-19 testing.
“However, many of the sites across the state offer free testing and testing available to those without insurance,” said McKnight.
Of the sites mentioned by McKnight there are some sites that are still open until the end of the year in Bloomington-Normal. Heartland Community College’s testing site is closed for the New Year. The Interstate Center is open.
