Editor’s Note: This post was updated on July 12, 2022, with the information that was available regarding testing options in Champaign-Urbana at that time.
In May 2022, every home in the U.S. became eligible to order another round of free at-home COVID tests.
All you have to do is fill out a quick form on the United States Postal Service website.
Residential households in the U.S. can get free at-home tests shipped from USPS.com. Here’s what you need to know about your order:
- Each order includes 8 rapid antigen COVID-19 tests.
- Your order of eight tests will come in two separate packages (4 tests in each package), each with its own tracking number.
- Packages will ship free.
For more info and to order, go to https://special.usps.com/testkits. The form takes less than a minute to complete.
At-home tests are now more needed than ever, as COVID testing site options are fewer in number than they once were around Champaign-Urbana. As families prepare to head back to school, a healthy supply of at-home COVID tests will be helpful to have at home.
Community testing at Parkland College wrapped up on June 30, 2022, as there is no longer state funding for the program. Read more on the Parkland College website.
The Parkland site was operated by SHIELD CU, in a partnership with OSF Healthcare. This partnership used funding from the state of Illinois that lasted through June 30, 2022, as confirmed by Christina Romero of OSF in media statements earlier this month. Please visit the SHIELD CU website for any operational updates.
Where you can still find a test in C-U
Testing remains available at some Champaign-Urbana area CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, but online appointments are typically required. Locals have reported recently that these appointments can be unreliable and sometimes canceled due to staffing difficulties.
Promise Healthcare in Champaign also offers COVID tests by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call (217)356-1558.
The University of Illinois is operating a testing site open only to those with a current university affiliation; see here for the most recent information.