City officials urge protesters to get tested for COVID-19

City officials on Tuesday urged Chicagoans who participated in recent large protests to get tested for the coronavirus while announcing the expansion of eligibility for six city-operated testing sites.

Anyone with potential “high-risk exposure” to COVID-19 can get tested, even if they haven’t displayed symptoms, according to a statement from Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office.

That includes residents who attended large gatherings or demonstrations in the wake of the police-involved killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Public health officials have warned that protests over Floyd’s death, which swept the nation and spread to other countries, will likely lead to a spike in coronavirus cases.

Other individuals considered at high risk of infection, including first responders or other essential workers, as well as those who’ve come into contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, also can get tested without exhibiting symptoms. Those showing signs of infection also qualify for testing at those six city-run sites: Saucedo Scholastic Academy; Horizon Science Academy–Southwest; Prieto Math & Science Academy; Kennedy-King College; Gately Park; and Columbus Park.

While COVID-19 infection rates are now surging in many states across the country, the number of cases and fatalities in Illinois has continued on a downward trajectory. But as selected public spaces and businesses prepare to reopen in Chicago, officials urged residents to remainvigilant and self-monitor for signs of infection.

“As our city’s industries and public spaces cautiously reopen, we must remain steadfast in our fight against the COVID-19 virus, especially in light of the rising case levels we’ve seen in other areas nationwide,” Lightfoot said in a statement, encouraging anyone who believes they need a test to pre-register to get checked at one of the citywide locations.

“We still have a long way to go with this pandemic and we all have a part to play in keeping ourselves and our communities healthy and secure during the months ahead.”