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Los Angeles, California is set to become the first major city in the United States to offer free coronavirus testing to its residents. All residents will be eligible to receive testing for COVID-19 after a partnership with the County of Los Angeles and CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort).
“Announcing that L.A. is now the first major city in America to offer free COVID-19 testing to all residents,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement. “While priority will still be given to those with symptoms, individuals without symptoms can also be tested.”
The tests will only be available for residents of Los Angeles County.
A website has been set up for residents to sign up for their free coronavirus test.
“Priority for the same or next day testing is still given to people with symptoms, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath,” the website reads. “Testing is also prioritized for certain critical front-line workers who interact with the public while working. Click the Testing for Front Line Workers button for more details.”
The coronavirus mainly comes from animals and a majority of those who were infected early either worked at or frequently visited the Huanan seafood wholesale market in Wuhan, according to The Guardian. The virus is similar to Severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (Mers).
The Wuhan coronavirus is transmitted from person to person through “droplet transmission.” That means an infected person can pass the virus by sneezing or coughing on another person as well as by direct contact.
While a majority of the cases have been detected in the United States and China — with more than 61,000 deaths in the United States — it has now reached many countries around the world. It has also been confirmed in Italy, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and many other eastern countries.
