The new testing fac

By Todd Wineburner

The colder weather has arrived and the joint venture between the Livingston County Health Department and OSF St. James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center has a new environment for those needing tests. A small building will now provide some protection from the elements and make testing that much more accessible to area residents. According to OSF St. James President Brad Solberg, the hospital is very pleased with the number of people tested so far. The latest figures show that from September 8th through October 30th about 1700 people were tested locally.

The testing site is available weekdays from 8:30 until noon. Appointments for testing are strongly recommended and can be made by calling (815) 844-7174, ext. 210 or 216. Insurance is not required for testing, but insurance will be billed if it is available. Regardless of a person’s insurance status, there should be no out of pocket cost for COVID-19 testing.

The latest figures show that 21 more residents of Livingston County were diagnosed as October ended and more individual died. The county’s total is 777 positive cases, with most of those already released from isolation. 125 cases remain active, two individuals are hospitalized, and 12 people have died as a result of the virus.

More information is available at lchd.us.