Even though COVID has not gone away, it’s gotten harder to get tested.
The days of free drive-thru testing and vaccinations at the Peoria Civic Center are long gone, and this month the federal government’s free at-home COVID-19 test program ended. Unless more funding for the program is approved by Congress, don't expect any more free tests.
So how does a person get tested for COVID these days? Here are some options.
The Tazewell County Health Department provides the non-invasive covidSHIELD test four days a week from 9 a.m. to noon. On Mondays and Fridays, the clinic is in Pekin at First Nazarene Church, 3514 Broadway. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the clinic is in the East Peoria Festival Building, 2200 E. Washington St.
The covidSHIELD test, which utilizes saliva to test for COVID-19, was developed by the University of Illinois as a non-invasive alternative to the nasal swab test. The clinic is walk-in only and open to residents of all counties. Testing is free. Do not eat or drink anything one hour prior to testing. Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours.
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On-site testing is available at the Heartland Health Clinics in Peoria and Pekin. Appointments are required, so call (309) 680-7600.
Several Peoria-area CVS pharmacies are offering drive-thru PCR testing with two-day results. Visit their website https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing for more information and to schedule a test.
Select Walgreens locations offer several different testing options. Visit their website to learn more and make an appointment.
Hy-Vee offers a variety of COVID-19 tests. Visit their website to learn more and register.
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OSF HealthCare is providing COVID testing only for people experiencing symptoms. Learn more on its website. UnityPoint Health will only provide a COVID test as part of a full exam. To find a UnityPoint Health Clinic, visit its website.
Take-home COVID tests are available at most area pharmacies. Insurance typically covers or reimburses the cost of these tests.
There is some good news if you already have tests on hand. The expiration date for some of the tests issued through the federal free program have been extended, so check the FDA's website to see if they'll stay accurate longer.
Leslie Renken can be reached at (309) 370-5087 or lrenken@pjstar.com. Follow her on Facebook.com/leslie.renken.