Mayor Eric Garcetti announces free testing for all L.A. County residents.
On Wednesday, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that all county residents can now get free coronavirus testing. With, or without symptoms.
Previously, testing was limited to those with symptoms, essential workers, and those working institutions like nursing homes.
However, officials say testing is essential in order to understand how widespread the virus is and inform the way forward with restrictions. Not to mention putting our minds at ease, knowing we aren’t going around infecting everyone else.
All testing is by appointment only and you can make an appointment online. The testing is the mouth swab kind (so no brain swabbing) and it’s recommended that you do not eat, drink, chew gum, or use mouthwash beforehand.
NOTE: The testing is subject to availability. Currently, the site states that all appointments are full at this time, but this might change over the course of the week.
Those showing symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath will be given the same day or next day priority. Of course, priority is also given to critical workers or those who are required to interact with people such as carers in nursing homes.
The county has put together an explainer video on what to expect.
Kaiser Permanente members can follow this link, to get testing through their system.
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