Dear Chicago Residents and Partners,

The City has identified seven new testing sites throughout Chicago that will bring free testing to communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Two of the testing sites, Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy and Dr. Jorge Prieto Math and Science Academy, opened this week offering both drive-thru and walk-up options to residents who have COVID-19-like symptoms or who have been recently exposed to the virus.

As a reminder, if you test positive for COVID-19, you most likely DO currently have an active COVID-19 infection and can give the virus to others. Stay home and follow CDPH guidance on  steps to take if you’re sick .

If you test negative for COVID-19, you most likely DO NOT currently have an active COVID-19 infection. However, no test is perfect, and you can sometimes get false negative results. You should keep monitoring symptoms and follow CDPH guidance on  steps to protect yourself and others .

We encourage everyone interested in getting tested at any of the City's testing sites to pre-register at  chicagocovidtesting.com  to avoid the wait and long lines. For the full list of testing locations, opening dates, and additional testing information, visit  chicago.gov/coronavirus .

What's New

Support for Chicago Microbusinesses -  The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) has  awarded $5,000 grants to 959 microbusinesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak  through the City’s Microbusiness Recovery Grant Program, just one week after applications for the program closed. Launched on April 28, the Chicago Microbusiness Recovery Grant Program was designed for businesses that may not be able to obtain funding through federal and other financing programs. Based on survey responses, over two-thirds of grantees have not received any other emergency funding during the COVID-19 outbreak. To be eligible, businesses must have had four or fewer employees, revenues of less than $250,000 and be located within a low- or moderate-income community area. The grantees were selected from over 4,500 applicants through a lottery system and represent all types of industries, from coffee shops and general retail to daycares and travel companies. More than 90 percent of the awardees identify as having diverse ownership, including 55 percent women, 45 percent African American and 34 percent Latinx. Additionally, the awarded businesses employ an average of 2 employees and have been in business for an average of over 10 years. To see what resources are available for Chicago businesses, consumers and employees impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, visit  chicago.gov/bacpcovid19 .

Resources

Chicago Rx  - The Chicago Rx Card is a free and easy way to save up to 80% on prescription drugs at more than 59,000 pharmacies across the country including Rite Aid, Kroger, Osco, CVS, Walmart, Walgreens and many more. No registration or prequalification needed. The card is free, pre-activated and can be used immediately! The Chicago Rx card can be used by individuals and family members regardless of a person’s health, age, immigration status, or income, and there are no limits on how many times it can be used. Find out more at  chicagorxcard.com .

Smart 911  - Sign up for Smart 911 and create a safety profile for yourself and your family. In the event of an emergency, your Safety Profile is made available to call takers the moment your phone or one associated with your account dials 9-1-1. The service is free and sign up can be completed in minutes at  smart911.com .