The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is now able to conduct testing for the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), making Illinois the first state to be able to do testing in state.  Once specimens from individuals are received at the Chicago IDPH laboratory, test results are typically available within 24 hours.  IDPH is in the process of bringing testing for 2019-nCoV online in its Springfield and Carbondale laboratories. Last Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began shipping 2019-nCoV laboratory test kits to select qualified U.S. and international laboratories.  The distribution and use of the test kits follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, February 4, 2020, issuance of an Emergency Use Authorization.  The test is intended for use with upper and lower respiratory specimens collected from people who meet CDC criteria for 2019-nCoV testing.  Those criteria include looking at travel and/or exposure history, as well as symptoms and/or fever.  Residents in Illinois outside Chicago can call the hotline at 800-889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@illinois.gov for more information.