Basic Coronavirus Information for Illinois Residents

Anyone with COVID-19-like illness or symptoms can get a test, even without a doctor’s order. Read more >

For general questions about COVID-19, you can call the IDPH COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@illinois.gov. Please note that the Hotline does not make decisions about who should be tested for COVID-19.

Please stay home for at least 7 days after you first became ill, or 72 hours after your fever has resolved and symptoms are improving, whichever is longer.

You should consult with your doctor if you have:

• Fever, cough, trouble breathing, or other flu like symptoms that are not better or are worsening after 24-48 hours.
• Mild symptoms and are pregnant or immunosuppressed or are an older adult have chronic health conditions

Please don’t call the health department about getting tested

• Your health care provider will determine if you should be tested, and call the health department if needed
• Health departments do not collect specimens for COVID-19

If you need immediate medical attention, and you think you may have COVID-19, please call ahead to your health care provider before going in for care. This will allow them to take the right steps to protect themselves and other patients.

If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911; if you have been exposed to COVID-19, notify dispatch personnel.

People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:

• If you will not have a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
  • You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND
  • other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND
  • at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
• If you will be tested to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
  • You no longer have a fever (without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND
  • other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND
  • you received two negative tests in a row, 24-hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines.

In all cases, follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and local health department. The decision to stop home isolation should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider and state and local health departments. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.