Los Angeles Offers All Residents Free Coronavirus Tests, With Or Without Symptoms

TOPLINE

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Wednesday that all 4 million city residents, even those without symptoms, will now be able to get a coronavirus test for free—the most expansive testing effort from a major U.S. city since the outbreak began months ago. 

KEY FACTS

key background

Los Angeles continues to be a hotspot for the coronavirus within the state of California, accounting for nearly half of the state’s total cases. The San Francisco Bay Area in comparison has avoided a more severe outbreak.

Crucial quote

“We have the capacity, so don’t wait, don’t wonder and don’t risk infecting others,” Garcetti said at a press conference announcing the program. “This is a really important step to prepare for other steps forward in the weeks to come.”

big number

Garcetti said LA County now has the capacity to conduct 9% of all tests U.S.

news peg

Cities and states are largely depending on a mix of academic hospitals, research labs and private companies to process tests. Though U.S. testing capacity has ramped up significantly since February where early missteps hampered the country’s ability to quickly test and isolate infected people, public health experts say millions of more tests are needed to open up the country. The White House released its official testing strategy on Monday, which puts the onus on states to come up with their own testing plans, but critics assailed the effort as “inadequate.”

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