Plenty of options are available to receive free COVID-19 testing prior to the upcoming holidays.
Below is a rundown of choices for anyone who would like to take a test before visiting with friends and family during the holiday season. Since all of these testing options are saliva-based, be sure to abstain from eating/drinking/gum-chewing/etc. for the required amount of time before you test.
—Shield Illinois is offering testing at the Stephens Family YMCA in Champaign from 6-8 a.m. and 4-8 p.m. on Dec. 21. Testing is free and open to the public, no appointment is necessary and results are available within 24-36 hours.
—Shield CU is offering testing at Parkland College for free; tests are open to the public and no appointment is necessary. Testing is available this week from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Dec. 20; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 21; and 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 22. (Shield CU also offers testing at Campus Recreation Center East on the University of Illinois campus — holiday week schedule unclear.)
–The University of Illinois continues to offer free testing to the university community (those who have active NetIDs), although the testing locations and hours are limited during the university’s winter break. Click here for the most recent test site information.