New coronavirus testing sites to open in Belleville and Granite City

SIHF Healthcare, which operates medical clinics in 22 communities in central and southern Illinois, is opening two new coronavirus testing sites in Belleville and Granite City in cooperation with Touchette Regional Hospital in Centreville and state and local agencies.

A testing site opened Thursday at SIHF Healthcare, 7210 W. Main St. in Belleville, according to a press release. A testing site will open Friday at SIHF Healthcare, 2166 Madison Ave. in Granite City. Hours at both are 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The company, formerly known as Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation, already operates a testing site in East St. Louis.

People who want to be tested for COVID-19 must first call 618-646-2596 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and be screened with questions about symptoms, possible exposure, age, work environment and underlying health conditions.

Those who meet eligibility requirements of the Illinois Department of Public Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control will be assigned a window of time to arrive.

Patients will not be charged for screening or testing. If someone has insurance, the provider will gather that information during the phone call, but there will be no cost to the patient. Results should be available in about 24 hours.

Callers who don’t meet eligibility requirements will receive instructions on how to isolate at home unless symptoms worsen.