CHICAGO – The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) today announced that Doctors Test Centers (DTC), in connection with Simple Laboratories, has been selected to operate a new and robust COVID-19 testing program at both O’Hare and Midway International Airports. Scheduled to begin later this month, it will be the most comprehensive airport testing option anywhere in the country.

“The Chicago Department of Aviation is proud to present the most comprehensive COVID-19 testing program of any airport system in the nation,” CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee said. “With two types of tests available at both airports, as well as our strict adherence to public health guidelines requiring face coverings and social distancing throughout the terminals, we aim to provide the traveling public and the wider airport community with a safe environment and peace of mind.”

DTC will be hiring for a variety of testing and customer support roles at two new sites at O’Hare and one at Midway, providing both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and rapid antigen tests. Many international destinations require a negative PCR test result. These tests take longer to process, but travelers should receive results within 72 hours. Rapid test results should be available within 20 minutes.

DTC is looking to hire more than 100 people immediately across both airports, with additional employees to come on board as the program expands. This is an opportunity for Chicago-area residents to participate in a unique operation in an airport environment. Jobseekers are encouraged to visit DTC’s website to learn more and apply.

O’Hare will feature a walk-up, pre-security testing site adjacent to the terminal core, as well as a drive-up site in a remote parking lot. DTC will also be setting up a walk-up testing site in the terminal at Midway. The new testing sites will be limited to travelers and airport employees to provide safety to the traveling public. Test recipients will need to show proof of flying (within 72 hours before their flight or five days after) or proof of airport employment.

Last month, CDA issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking a vendor to provide COVID-19 testing for passengers and employees at both airports. The proposal by DTC, with technical assistance to be provided by Simple Laboratories, was selected after narrowing down a list of qualified candidates.

Travelers are reminded that a mask that covers both the nose and mouth, as well as maintaining a safe social distance from anyone not in your immediate traveling party, is required inside the airports.