PRINCETON- The Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Departments will begin testing for Coronavirus at the Princeton Office, 526 S. Bureau Valley Parkway during the week of May 4th. They will start by opening a drive through testing site on Tuesday May 5th. Testing will be by appointment Tuesdays and Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00pm. Priority for 10-15 tests per day at the Princeton drive-through will be given to Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County residents.
Dates and times at the Princeton site may be adjusted as the situation changes.
Tests will be available for those with the following qualifications
• Have COVID-19 symptoms (cough, shortness of breath and fever) AND
• Have a risk factor, such as
o Contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19
o A compromised immune system or a serious chronic medical condition
Testing is also available for those with or without symptoms who:
• Work in a health care facility
• Work in correctional facilities, such as jails or prisons
• Serve as first responders, such as paramedics, emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officers or firefighters
• Support critical infrastructure, such as workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, public utilities, factories, childcare and sanitation
Testing will conducted car-side and will be by appointment only.
Residents are asked to call 815-872-5091, Monday through Thursday from 9:00am until 3:00pm and Friday 9:00am until Noon – to be screened by a Public Health Nurse. Individuals who qualify will receive an appointment time and instructions including wearing a mask, bringing a photo ID, payment options and directions for how to drive into the site.
The test consists of a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab. Samples will be sent to either the University of Chicago Laboratory or the Illinois State Laboratory for testing depending on eligibility factor for state testing. Turn around for results varies based on the volume the Lab is experiencing. All persons tested will be notified of results by the Bureau County Health Department and given educational material including instructions for quarantine and monitoring of positive individuals’ and their close contacts.
Free testing will be available on a limited basis to eligible persons. If free testing is not available, the tests will cost $100, and can be paid by cash or check at the time of testing, or by credit card at the time your appointment is scheduled.
For more information or questions they ask that you call 815-872-5091 during business hours.
