COVID-19 Testing Now Available For LA Residents Showing Symptoms
A CORE worker assists a patient with their COVID-19 test at the Hansen Dam Recreational Center on April 7.
Logan Bik, Visual Managing Editor
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Monday that testing will now be available for LA residents showing symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of pre-existing health conditions or age, a new advancement for the county.
However, both same day and next day appointments are prioritized to those over the age of 65, or those with chronic health conditions.
"When we know who has the virus, we have a better chance of stopping it from spreading," Garcetti said.
With more people getting tested, the number of confirmed cases is expected to rise. As of April 9, LA County has had 7955 confirmed cases, including 223 deaths.
As of today, there are 21 drive-thru testing centers available throughout LA County.
The most recent drive-thru testing site to join the San Fernando Valley is located at the Northridge Hospital Medical Center. The hospital, operated by Dignity Health, has teamed up with LA County to offer drive-thru testing.
The first drive-thru site in the San Fernando Valley started its operations on March 24 at the Hansen Dam Recreational Center. At first, the testing site was helmed by the Los Angeles Fire Department, but they have since paired up with actor Sean Penn's nonprofit organization, Community Organized Relief Effort. Through CORE's assistance with operating COVID-19 test sites across LA County, LAFD personnel have been able to return to the front lines.
"We are accustomed to working in foreign places, supporting other communities," Penn said in an emailed statement to the LA Times. "In this situation, every single one of us responding, including myself, are also experiencing the impact of this crisis in our own personal lives."
LA residents can sign up for a testing appointment at https://lacovidprod.service-now.com/rrs.
Logan Bik
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