PIKE COUNTY, Ill. — The announcement was recently made that the Pike County Health Department has been chosen to participate in a Rural Testing Pilot Program by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

According to a recent press release, the PCHD staff will provide free testing at the Pike County Farm Bureau located at 1301 East Washington Street in Pittsfield.

The testing will be offered beginning Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 1 and 2 from 9:00 a.m. thru 1:00 p.m. Starting on Monday, Dec. 6, clinics will run Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. According to the IDPH website, Pike County has a current positivity rate of 3.95%.

It’s recommended that anyone attending the drive-thru clinic follow the posted signage to enter and please stay in their car. PCHD staff will gather all the necessary information for testing and oversee self-collection of the COVID-19 test. Results of the test will then be available approximately 24 to 48 hours from the test date.

The Pike County Health Department also stated that COVID 19 vaccinations and booster shots are also available. Visit www.pikecountyil.org for more information on vaccine and booster shot availability.