Free COVID-19 Testing Sites Coming to Chicago Southside, Peoria, Champaign and Rolling Meadows

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SPRINGFIELD – Expanding COVID-19 testing capabilities in the State of Illinois is a crucial part of the state’s plan to Restore Illinois. With increased testing we can make educated decisions that protect our state, our communities and our families. Today, the State is announcing new drive-thru COVID-19 testing facilities will be available in the coming days on Chicago’s southside (May 16), Champaign (May 19), Rolling Meadows (May 20), while drive-thru and walk-up services will be offered in Peoria (May 23).  These free community services will be open seven days a week to test individuals with COVID-19 symptoms and those employees who support critical services.

“Not everyone with COVID-19 has symptoms. Without greater testing, it is difficult to know who is infected with this virus. This could mean a person who thinks they are healthy may unknowingly pass the virus to someone else, potentially with deadly consequences. I encourage residents in these areas to take advantage of this opportunity to get tested for free and to take action to help prevent further spread of the virus,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of Illinois Department of Public Health.

All individuals with symptoms are encouraged to seek testing at these Community Based Testing Sites. Additional accommodations have been made for the following individuals with or without COVID-like symptoms.

• Healthcare workers
• First Responders
• Employees of Correctional Facilities
• Individuals exposed to confirmed COVID-19 patients
• Employees that support Critical Infrastructure (grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, public utilities, factories, childcare and sanitation)
• All local and state government employees
• Individuals with compromised immune systems, chronic medical conditions

Definition of Symptoms 
-Fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell

Community Based Testing Sites

Know Before You Go

This is a free service that can be obtained without a doctor’s referral.  While this is a free service, you will be asked to show 1) photo identification and 2) healthcare employee or first responder ID/badge, if applicable.

Patients utilizing drive-thru testing sites must be seated at a functioning window. Once you get in line at the CBTS, you will not be permitted to exit your car. For the safety of the testing personnel, drive-thru sites will not be able to accommodate walk-up individuals. Walk-up testing services are only available in Peoria and East St. Louis, at this time.

Due to the demand for this service, we anticipate there could be significant wait times associated with these drive-thru community-based testing sites. Please be patient. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you are urged to call your doctor or emergency department to seek immediate care and instructions.

Dozens of additional commercial testing sites are also available throughout the state further adding to the state’s testing capacity.  For the most up-to-date list of these sites, visit https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/testing-sites. There residents can also find information on eligibility for testing and contact information for each testing site.

For additional information related to COVID-19, please visit www.dph.illinois.gov
You can also get your COVID-19 questions answered at any time of day by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-889-3931. You can also email you questions to DPH.Sick@Illinois.gov.