Ford County Public Health Department (FCPHD) is announcing that a COVID-19 testing site is coming to the area next week. A mobile testing unit managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will be stationed in Paxton, IL according to the following schedule: Friday, November 20, 2020 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (Anyone in line at 4:00 pm will be tested) Ford County Public Health Department 235 N. Taft St. Paxton, IL Know Before You Go Testing is free and open to all regardless of symptoms. Simple nasal swabs will be used. A phone number and name are required to receive testing results. Individuals will be called with results within 4-7 business days. Individuals are encouraged to bring their health insurance card but can still be tested without insurance. Other Testing Options State-run Community-Based Testing Sites located in Champaign (Market Place Mall, 2000 N. Neil St) and Bloomington (1106 Interstate Drive) are open 7 days a week. Testing at these sites is free. For more information, visit the IDPH website at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid-19-testing-sites. Many healthcare providers in Ford County also have COVID-19 testing available. Please contact your provider or the facility to ask about testing criteria and appointment availability. “We encourage our residents to take advantage of the mobile testing site or Community-Based Testing Sites and get tested right away if they are experiencing symptoms, or after being exposed to an infected person,” says Lana Sample, FCPHD Administrator. “Testing is an important first step that helps our staff identify and support you if you are infected, notify close contacts, and slow the spread of this virus.”