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While Illinois has continued moving through Phase 4 of its recovery plan, we should be wary in taking our foot off the gas of caution. As more restaurants, bars, and businesses open up in the coming weeks throughout the state, we should be careful not to get careless and fall backward like other states around the country. To aid in being aware and responsible for ourselves and to others, we’ve gathered a list of places where you can get tested for the Coronavirus in Chicago.

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View Where to Shop & Eat on the Magnificent Mile

Healthy and all good to go? View our list of where to shop and eat on the Magnificent Mile.

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Requirements to receive a Coronavirus test vary depending on each location. However, there is no doubt that knowing your status of health can be crucial in protecting yourself and others, especially given that a majority of people with the coronavirus are asymptomatic. For your convenience, we’ll break it down by category for these testing sites.

How to Get Tested For Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Open to All Regardless of Symptoms, No Appointment Required:

SMG Chatham

210 W 87th St, Chicago, IL 60620

Open from 8 am to 4 pm, all week. Get here as early as possible because COVID-19 testing is only available while daily supplies last.

IDPH Harwood Heights Drive-Through

6959 W Forest Preserve Dr, Chicago, IL 60634

With the same ‘while supplies last’ caveat, this testing site is open from 7 am to 3 pm. Open all week.

Open to All Regardless of Symptoms, Appointment Required:

Clear Wellness Group

1605 South Michigan Avenue, Unit 1, Chicago, IL 60616

Open 8:30 am to 5 pm every day besides Sundays, this location has same-day appointments available. For their COVID hotline, call 312-535-5770.

Loop Medical Center Streeterville

432 E Grand Ave Suite C, Chicago, IL 60611

Closed on Sundays, this Coronavirus testing location is open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, and 8 am to noon on Saturdays. Appointments can be made online.

One Medical Fulton Market

218 N Elizabeth St, Chicago, IL 60607

Though open 24 hours, testing occurs by appointment only Monday through Friday. Call 1-888-ONE-MED1 to make an appointment.

UI Health Pilsen COVID Evaluation Clinic

1713 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

With an appointment, patients can get tested Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. New or established UI Health patients are welcome.

Screening or Referral Required Before Appointment, Appointment Required:

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

259 E Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Testing here requires an order from a Northwestern Medicine physician. The order can be obtained by calling their COVID hotline at 312-47C-OVID. They’re open all week from 9 am to 3 pm.

Physicians Immediate Care – West Loop

600 W Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60661

A curbside exam will deem if testing is appropriate for patients. Open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm but note that capacity might be limited.

Michigan Avenue Primary Care

181 N Michigan Avenue Suite 1720, Chicago, IL 60601

Prior to an appointment, a provider will see patients via video consultation to determine if it’s appropriate for a test to happen. Open from 8 am to 6 pm from Monday through Friday and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays.

 

The Illinois Department of Health website has a more in-depth map of locations for those not near to the ones provided above. For as much as we want you all to enjoy this summer in Chicago, we also urge you to be safe and cautious so as not to put yourself or others at risk!

UPDATE 11/16 —

As the state of Illinois finds itself amidst a second wave of COVID-19, they are urging non-essential workers and private businesses to work from home if possible to mitigate unnecessary risk and half the spread of the virus. It’s important to note that this is just a suggestion from the state and not a mandatory stay-at-home order as it was in the spring, despite the fact that the state has skyrocketed beyond the numbers it had last spring.

This becomes even more important as the holiday season approaches and Illinoisans begin making their plans to see their families if they even are able to. Small things like working from home could be the difference between a smooth holiday season or wishing a loved one a Happy Thanksgiving from the other side of a FaceTime call. In addition, the holiday season comes with colder weather, too, and officials worry that the winter could exacerbate the latest outbreak and create a spiral of bad fortune with health care workers in limited supply unable care for all people infected.

Increased testing facilities in the city have become paramount to Chicago’s ability to combat the virus. The Illinois Department of Public Health has listed all available testing facilities on its website. As the holiday season inches closer families remain concerned about being able to see loved ones, and getting tested before and after Thanksgiving is strongly urged.

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash

 

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The post Where to Get Tested for COVID-19 in Chicago (UPDATED 11/16) appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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Chicago feminist punk two-piece the Ovens debuted a decade ago with a charming, rowdy self-titled album that put heteronormativity in its crosshairs. In 2012 they released a second full-length (Settings) and an EP (Try), but since then they’ve been fairly quiet—probably because guitarist-vocalist Heather now lives in Brooklyn, while drummer-vocalist LB remains in Chicago.…Read More

Two things are interesting about the Chicago Bears’ head coach’s decision to give up playcalling. Chicago Bears fans across the country — well most of them anyway — rejoiced when they heard the news break that head coach Matt Nagy was going to give up playcalling duties, starting with tonight’s Minnesota Viking’s game. It is […]

Chicago Bears: Two puzzling aspects of Nagy’s decision – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More

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Are you thankful that 2020 is almost over? Thanksgiving is coming, so while we may not all be celebrating exactly how we normally would, it’s about time we rustle up some gratitude and make the most of what we have. If you, like many of us, are looking for ways to inject a little holiday cheer into the coming weeks, check out these fun and festive holiday events Chicago still has to offer this winter.

Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park

Starting November 20th, embrace the brisk winter weather and lace up for some skating on the Ribbon! It’s a good way to get outdoors, enjoy the inevitable change of seasons, and do something fun and a little frivolous for a while.

Virtual Christkindlmarket

It’s true that Christkindlmarket won’t be the same without the throngs of people, but think of it this way: you don’t even have to leave your couch (and risk the warmth of your precious toesies) to get your hands on a Christkindlmarket traditional mug! Just order it on the official website, along with all sorts of other goodies from the market’s affiliated vendors.

Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum

For a lot of people, the Holiday Season begins with Thanksgiving, and for those same people, the Holiday Season requires lots of lights— the twinklier, the better. Starting November 20th, Morton Arboretum’s Illumination: Tree Lights enables guests not only to see impressive light displays among the trees, but also to experience the holiday cheer from the comfort of their own vehicles.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Presented by ABC 7 Chicago, the Lights Festival takes place Sunday, November 22th, and includes musical performances and the lighting of trees along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. No parade this year, but this way you can take in the festivities while wearing your jammies.

Thanksgiving takeout from local restaurants

Turkey Day may feel a bit different this year, but why not lean into the unusual and make it really interesting with a little help from your favorite local restaurants? Lots of hot spots around the city are offering takeout on Thanksgiving, including Luella’s Southern Kitchen, Maple & Ash, Alinea, and more.

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Looking for something to wear to one of the next holiday events Chicago has to offer? Try a Chicago holiday hoodie!

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ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Are you still not tired of lights? Then get on over to ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo (starting November 20th), where you can stroll around the zoo and take in the lights for just $5!

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: Morton Arboretum

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The post Top Holiday Events in Chicago Still Happening This Holiday Season appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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Our favorite turkey holiday might look a little different this year, thanks to COVID-19. Health officials recommend celebrating only with people in your household or taking precautions like keeping your distance and wearing a mask if you get together with others. So if you’re staying home and don’t feel like cooking, here’s a roundup of top Chicago restaurants offering Thanksgiving specials to go. 

The Gage

24 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

Bring home a Thanksgiving feast for any size gathering. Start by choosing a Free Range Minnesota Turkey at this restaurant in Chicago for $450 (feeds 4 to 6) or $550 (feeds 8 to 10). Or a Heritage Bred Brune Landaise Chicken for $270 (feeds 2 to 4). Then select your starters, salads, sides, and dessert. Delicious!

Frontier

1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Get a real deal Thanksgiving meal! Enjoy smoked, carved Turkey Breast with gravy, Mashed Potatoes, String Beans, Cornbread Stuffing, Buttered Rolls, and Sweet Potato Pie Pieces. For 4 to 6 people, you’ll be dishing out $150. Just want the bird? Get a 15-pound turkey for $77. 

Girl & The Goat

809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Save time and hassle with chef Stephanie Izard’s Everything But The Turkey kit. This restaurant is offering Thanksgiving classics with a twist like Belize-Spiced Cranberries, Hong Kong Gravy, Roasted Hong Kong Sweet Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Southeast Asia Sausage, Apple & Mushroom Stuffing, and Southeast Asia Mashed Potatoes! Serves 6 for $249.

Bub City

435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Let the folks at Bub City do the cooking this year with their Thanksgiving Feast for $175 (serves 4). Featuring a Half Smoked Turkey with all the fixings, mashed potatoes and country gravy, autumn salad, and cranberry sauce. Place your order by Wednesday, November 25th for pickup on Thanksgiving Day between 9 AM and 1 PM. 

Bayan Ko

1810 W Montrose Ave, Chicago Il, Il 60640

Gobble down your turkey day dinner, Bayan Ko style! The main dishes include Mojo Marinated Turkey Roulade, Adobo Pork Belly, Shrimp Al Ajillo. And sides: shaved Brussel Sprouts & Mushroom Pancit, Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing, Garlic Fried Rice, and Black Beans & Maduros. Still have room? Top it off with a Salted Caramel Flan. Cue the drool emojis. Feeds 4 to 6 for $195. Order by November 18th!

Brass Heart

4662 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Spending the day with your sweetheart? Brass Heart is a restaurant in Chicago that is open on Thanksgiving to provide you with Poussin Chickens stuffed with brioche dressing, Green Bean and Wild Mushroom Casserole, 50/50 Duchess Whipped Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Roasted Chicken Pan Gravy, Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato Pie, and a bottle of Rose! This Thanksgiving meal serves 2 and cost $175.

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Chicago restaurants doing Thanksgiving specials? Work off the meal on your bike from one of the city’s best used bike shops.

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Virtue

1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Get a taste of southern cooking without leaving your couch. Virtue is offering a complete Thanksgiving Meal (feeds 4 to 6) for $189. Feast your eyes on a whole brined & roasted turkey, collard greens, giblet gravy, candied yams, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pecan pie. Wowza.

River Roast

315 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60654

Create the ultimate feast with Thanksgiving Prepped & Ready from River Roast. Meals can be picked up between November 23-26. Those who pick up their meals in advance will have reheat and cooking instructions included for day-of preparation. If picked up on Thanksgiving Day, all dishes will be cooked prior to pick-up.

Menu items include:

• – Local Farm-Raised, Herb-Brined Turkey
• – Kale & Pear Salad with dried cherry, red onion, walnuts, blue cheese, and smoked pear vinaigrette
• – Roast Carrots & Dirt with Pumpernickel Breadcrumbs, Goat Cheese, and Balsamic
• – Stuffing with House Sausage, Apples, and Parsnips
• – Brussels Sprouts with Salt & Pickled Vinaigrette
• – Carrot Cake with vanilla cream cheese frosting
• – Pumpkin Pie with fall spiced meringue

To see the full menu available to order including cocktail kits and to place an order, visit Tock.

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

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Even if you followed the Chicago White Sox for a small amount of time this past offseason, it would have been impossible to miss all the hype surrounding this team. After their 2019 season, many fans had high hopes and expectations going into 2020. Of course, these expectations were easily met after the season this team had. The White Sox sat on top of the AL standings for a majority of the year and even managed to make the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. With things trending in the right direction for this talented young team, we’re definitely excited for what the future holds.

Reflecting on Last Year’s Unusual Season

The 2020 MLB season for the Chicago White Sox didn’t exactly begin like normal. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire league suspended play before their planned start on March 26. Once owners and players ironed out the details for a shortened 60-game season, games resumed on July 23. Each game held nearly 3X the importance and this made them that much more exciting. 

For the Chicago White Sox, things couldn’t have gone much better in 2020. After starting 1-4 to open the season, the team would play 28 games in the month of August and go 19-9 in that stretch. Fans surely expected them to do well, but their performance easily exceeded many expectations we all had. A lot of the team’s success can be attributed to the impact the rookies made. Whether it was Luis Robert or Nick Madrigal, the young guys on a young team stepped up to the challenge. Tim Anderson and Jose Abreu were also forces to be reckoned with for the majority of the year and Abreu would eventually be named the AL MVP. We hope that his success continues for years to come.

Looking Ahead to Next Year

When it was all said and done, the Chicago White Sox season saw them finish with a 35-25 record, which gave them a Wild Card berth against the Oakland A’s. Unfortunately, an early series road win wasn’t enough to get the job done, and the team would quickly exit the playoffs in the Wild Card. 

As the White Sox head into the offseason, one of the big things on their to-do list is finding a new manager. After parting ways with Rick Renteria, the team named Tony La Russa as their new manager at the end of October. This decision raised a lot of eyebrows throughout the league, as La Russa hasn’t managed a team in ages, and there were a lot of questions about how his style would match with the team’s young core. Things didn’t look any better when the news dropped that La Russa was charged with a DUI at the beginning of November. It’s not the best thing to happen with your new team manager, and the team has stated that they understand the seriousness of the situation and will wait for the legal process to play out.

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Want to dispel some Chicago myths? Check out these Chicago stereotypes that definitely don’t ring true.

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Outside of the new manager headaches, the White Sox are in a prime position to build onto their young core in free agency. Adding a couple more pieces to this talented roster could mean the difference between an early postseason exit and a World Series title. And after the past couple of years this team has had, there should be no reason that this isn’t White Sox top goal going forward. Look out MLB, the Chicago White Sox are back!

 

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

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Featured Image Credit: White Sox Facebook Page

 

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