A new drive-thru testing site for COVID-19 opens Tuesday (May 19, 2020) in a parking lot at Champaign’s Market Place Mall. All individuals with symptoms are encouraged to seek testing at Community Based Testing sites – including the one opening in Champaign. State Senator Scott Bennett notes priority is given to first responders, health care workers, seniors, those with underlying conditions or with mild illness in areas with a high number of COVID-19 cases.
‘’This virus knows no boundaries,’’ said Senator Bennett. ‘’Broad testing for people with both COVID symptoms and those without is an important step to stem the spread of this illness and eventually overcome this pandemic,’’ added Bennett (shown in photo).
The new testing site is located in a parking lot of the Market Place Shopping Center at 2000 North Neil Street in Champaign. It will offer testing services seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., or while daily supplies last.
Additional accommodations have been made for the following individuals with or without COVID-like symptoms: healthcare workers, first responders, employees at correctional centers, individuals exposed to confirmed COVID-19 patients, employees that support critical infrastructure (such as grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, public utilities, and factories.) Also included arechildcare and sanitation workers, all local and state government employees, and individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic medical conditions.
What you need to know before you go – from the Illinois Department of Public Health:
- This is a free service which can be obtained without a doctor’s referral. While it is a free service, you will be asked to show photo identification and healthcare employees or first responders will be asked to show ID or a badge, if applicable.
- Patients utilizing the drive-thru testing must be seated in a vehicle with functioning windows. You will not be allowed to exit your vehicle once you enter the testing site. No walk-ups will be served.
- Due to the demand for these services there could be considerable wait time. Please be patient.
- If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you are urged to call your doctor or emergency department to seek immediate instructions.
The Illinois Department of Public Health Department website has additional information on all aspects of the state’s actions regarding the pandemic. Visit www.dph.illinois.gov or call their hotline at 800-889-3931, or email questions to DPH.Sick@Illinois.gov. Information on COVID-19 is also available on the Vermilion County Health Department website at www.vchd.org.
About sixty-five members of the Illinois National Guard are assisting at the new drive-thru testing site in Champaign.
