11 drive-thru test sites now open to all Number of new cases declines; 116 more deaths

Another 116 people have died in Illinois from COVID-19, but the state also saw another decline in the number of daily cases on Thursday, as officials announced 11 drive-thru testing sites will be open to everyone, regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms.

The state has lost 5,736 people to COVID-19. On Thursday, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 929 new cases out of 22,841 tests results. That’s a 4.07% positivity rate, much lower than what the state saw through most of May.

The seven-day statewide positivity for cases — one of the metrics Pritzker and health officials are using to guide reopening — is 6%. That seven-day figure remaining under 20% for 28 days is one of the requirements for the state to move on to the next phase of reopening.

The 116 deaths suggest COVID-19’s deadly phase is not over. But on a more promising note, the 929 cases is the lowest daily tally for new infections since April 5, when the state saw 899.

The Illinois Public Health Department on Thursday announced its 11 state-run drive thru COVID-19 testing sites would be open to everyone. Previously, the sites were intended for those with symptoms, asymptomatic people who were in contact with COVID19-infected people and essential workers and first responders.

“No appointment, doctor referral, or insurance is needed at state operated drive-thru sites and testing is available at no cost to the individual,” the department said in a release.

The drive-thru sites are in Aurora, Auburn Gresham in Chicago, Bloomington, Champaign, East St. Louis, Harwood Heights, Peoria, Rockford, Rolling Meadows, South Holland and Waukegan.