Chicago unveils COVID-19 mobile testing pilot program

The city of Chicago launched a pilot program to provide mobile COVID-19 testing sites in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

The first site began operating Tuesday at the Austin Health Center, with a second site to begin operating this week at Kennedy King College in the Englewood neighborhood.

The city will also begin operating mobile testing sites on the northwest and southwest sides to specifically serve first responders working on the front lines of the pandemic.

“As we continue to safely reopen our city while still preventing further spread of COVID-19, these additional sites will play a vital role in not only allowing us to continue to increase the number of residents being tested, but to do so equitably in order to support our communities most in need,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement.

Each site will have the capacity to test up to 500 persons per day, as well as the ability to travel to communities in need of the services.

The expansion comes as the city looks to complete at least 4,500 tests per day as it prepares to enter phase four of its reopening on Friday.

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