With COVID-19 Surge Raging, Tests Are Going Too Fast To Keep Up In Some Areas Around Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Health experts say testing is a powerful weapon against the novel coronavirus, but officials are now facing supply shortages.

As CBS 2's Steven Graves reported, a shortage in one area is prompting a more aggressive response starting Monday. There is also demand for more action.

One event Sunday in the city saw hundreds of tests go within hours. Now, there is a call on the state to make more testing locations available.

COVID-19 cases in Illinois keep rising, exceeding more than 10,000 per day for the last three days. It is the same specifically in Chicago.

On the West Side in the Austin neighborhood Sunday, there was proof of a growing need not only for tests, but for awareness.

"That the virus is real - we want people to know," said state Rep. LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago).

City data show that one in 25 people have the virus in the 60644 ZIP code. The positivity rate is at 8 percent and 95 deaths have bene recorded.

Many people in the area are essential workers, and testing at popup sites has become vital.

"But we had no more tests, because we didn't expect as many people to come out," Ford said.

A total of 500 tests were gone within hours at the Austin site – at 5051 W. Chicago Ave. where Ford's district office is located - matching at trend around the state.

The same happened at a center in Wheaton – the one location run by DuPage County health officials. High demand has 600 tests going, sometimes within the hour.

What can be done differently?

"Well, I think that the thing is we just have to make sure we have more testing in multiple places and communities," Ford said. "You can't just have one test site in a community."

Starting Monday, DuPage County is partnering with the state for more testing at mobile sites. Drive-throughs will pop up in Glendale Heights and Elmhurst.

They open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. or earlier, depending on how long the 500-test supply lasts. If trends continue, that could be quick.

"We have to figure out the timing for these tests," Ford said. "If people have to be at work at 9 and testing is at 8, there's no real time for them to be tested."

Last week, Gov. JB Pritzker said the state provides tests as areas request, but they are not unlimited.

Chicago does its own testing, so Rep. Ford plans to get a better handle on testing in Chicago during a meeting with Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday.

A complete list of testing sites statewide can be found below:

The Illinois Department of Public health noted that site locations are subject to change, and advises people to check the IDPH website for up-to-date information.

In:
• Austin
• DuPage County
• Wheaton College