Mayor Eric Garcetti today announced a new effort to deploy mobile COVID-19 testing units to all 15 public housing locations in the City of Los Angeles –– delivering free, on-site testing for COVID-19 to nearly 25,000 residents.
This latest expansion of the local mobile testing system is possible thanks to a partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), and CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort).
"COVID-19 is still here and it's still deadly, so we have to keep working to expand our testing infrastructure, stop the spread of this virus, get ahead of outbreaks, and save the lives of at-risk Angelenos in the face of this pandemic," said Mayor Garcetti. "COVID-19 testing isn't just a tool of health, it's an instrument of equity — and our new effort will bring vital resources to the doorsteps of many communities of color and some of our most vulnerable neighbors."
Over the next two months, alongside our partners, the City will deploy mobile COVID-19 testing units to each HACLA site, offering free tests to anyone who lives there, with or without symptoms. Many residents lack access to reliable transportation options to get them to nearby testing sites, while being among the highest risk for contracting COVID-19 or dying from the illness. With the City's new program, testing will come directly to many local families in need of immediate support.
"It's paramount that all levels of government work together to bring COVID-19 testing into underserved communities considering the health disparities that communities of color face at the hands of this pandemic," said Councilman Curren Price, who represents District 9 where Pueblo Del Rio is located. "Initiatives like the one we launched today will help keep our friends, family, and loved ones healthy and our communities going strong."
HACLA residents who wish to sign up in advance for a testing appointment can visit coronavirus.lacity.org/HACLAtesting. Members of the general public can visit coronavirus.lacity.org/testing to obtain information about the more than 90 local sites available across the area.
