AG Urging Caution in Utilizing "Pop-Up" COVID Testing Sites

As the omicron variant continues to spread, increasing the number of positive COVID-19 cases throughout Illinois, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued guidance regarding “pop-up” COVID-19 testing sites and price gouging of at-home rapid tests.

A nationwide shortage of COVID-19 tests and available testing appointments has led many Illinois residents to turn to what are known as “pop-up” testing sites. These testing sites are not licensed or regulated by any government agency, and the Attorney General’s office cannot confirm the legitimacy of individual pop-up testing locations. The Attorney General’s office is offering guidance and encouraging people to exercise caution before visiting any testing site.

“The omicron variant has compelled many residents to seek COVID-19 testing in order to protect themselves and their families. The increased need for testing has also resulted in testing shortages, leading people to visit so-called ‘pop-up’ testing locations,” Raoul said. “It is important for people to know that these sites are not licensed or regulated by a government agency, and they should ask questions before visiting a pop-up testing location – or try to utilize a state-sponsored testing site.”

Attorney General Raoul recommends that people first try to utilize a state-sponsored testing site to the extent possible. Individuals can contact their health care providers for testing or testing center recommendations. People can also find a testing location by visiting the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website, the Cook County Department of Health’s website and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ website.

The Attorney General’s office is encouraging individuals who choose to use a testing site that is not included on state-sponsored lists or recommended by a primary care provider to first consider the following:

• What tests does the site administer?
• Who analyzes the results?
• What laboratory does the site use? Visit https://www.cdc.gov/clia/LabSearch.html to determine whether the lab being used is CLIA certified.
• When will test results be communicated to you, and how/from whom will you receive that communication?
• Who can you call with questions or concerns about results?
• What type of personal information will the site ask you to provide?
• Does the site charge any out-of-pocket fee?
• Does the site appear to observe the CDC’s recommendations to protect against COVID-19? For instance, do workers maintain a distance of six feet between people and wear masks indoors in areas of substantial or high transmission? https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

Attorney General Raoul urges Illinois consumers who are believe they have experienced or witnessed price gouging, or believe they have purchased fraudulent test kits to file a complaint by visiting the Attorney General’s website.