NextStop Blog

UPDATE – 5/14: The free COVID-19 testing site at Emerson Park MetroLink Station is moving to the Washington Park MetroLink Station on Monday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Friday, May 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The State of Illinois will continue to offer free COVID-19 tests at their mobile COVID-19 testing sites at the Emerson Park and Belleville Transit Centers. Anyone can receive a free COVID-19, you do not have to be an Illinois resident to be tested. These testing sites are easily accessible and can accommodate area residents who walk-up, use transit or drive-through at the Park-Ride lots at both transit centers.

Emerson Park Transit Center

NOTE: This has been moved to the Washington Park MetroLink Station effective on May 17 and May 21.

Mondays and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Emerson Park Transit Center is easy to reach. It is served by both Red Line and Blue Line MetroLink trains, the #6 Rosemont, #8 Alta Sita and #9 Washington Park MetroBus routes, and the #5 Tri-City Regional, #18 Collinsville Regional, #14X Highland Express and #20X Gateway Commerce Center Express bus routes from Madison County Transit. There are also more than 800 parking spaces available for anyone who wants to drive to the testing site.

Emerson Park Transit Center: 929 North 15th Street, East St Louis, IL 62205

Belleville Transit Center

Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Belleville Transit Center is conveniently located. It is served by Red Line MetroLink trains, the #1 Main Street – State Street, #15 Belleville-Shiloh/O’Fallon, #16 St. Clair Square, and #17 Carlyle Plaza-17th Street MetroBus routes. There are also nearly 300 parking spaces available for anyone who wants to drive to the testing site.

Belleville Transit Center: 800 Scheel Street, Belleville, IL 62221

Simple nasal swabs are utilized for the COVID-19 tests and participants will receive their results over the phone within 4 to 7 days. Citizens who have medical coverage should bring their insurance cards. Uninsured residents will have the same opportunity to be tested.

Information about other Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 testing sites in the East St. Louis area can be found online at DPH.ILLINOIS.GOV/COVID19.