CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) reported Monday a new drive-thru testing site will open in Champaign Tuesday, May 19 to help individuals with COVID-19 symptoms and employees who support critical services. 

“This virus knows no boundaries,” Bennett said. “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.” 

The new site will be located in the parking lot of  Market Place Shopping Center at 2000 N. Neil Street and will offer testing services seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., or while daily supplies last.

All individuals with symptoms are encouraged to seek testing at these Community Based Testing Sites. 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.

Additional accommodations have been made for the following individuals with or without COVID-like symptoms, such as 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, and individuals with compromised immune systems, chronic medical conditions.

From the Illinois Department of Public Health, here is what to 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 photo identification and 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.
• 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.

The Illinois Department of Public Health’s website has all of the latest and most accurate information on the all aspects of the state’s actions regarding the pandemic: visit www.dph.illinois.gov. You can also call their hotline at 800-889-3931, or email questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..