MT. VERNON — SSM Health announced Thursday that they are opening COVID-19 testing sites in south central Illinois.

The sites are being established in Mt. Vernon and Centralia.

To be tested, patients must first complete a free online evaluation at SSM Health’s web site. If they meet the criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control, they will then be sent to an area testing facility where clinicians can collect specimens to be sent to a lab.

Testing will only be done on those patients who have been referred by either an SSM Health Virtual Visit or an SSM Health physician.