Los Angeles offers free coronavirus test for all residents — a first in US, mayor says

Los Angeles is the first major city in the U.S. to offer free coronavirus testing to everyone, the mayor says.

The city will provide COVID-19 testing to all residents for free, even if they have no symptoms, Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a tweet Wednesday.

“Announcing that L.A. is now the first major city in America to offer free COVID-19 testing to all residents,” Garcetti said. “While priority will still be given to those with symptoms, individuals without symptoms can also be tested.”

The free testing stretches beyond city limits, with all of Los Angeles County offering free testing, according to the city’s COVID-19 testing website.

“The City of Los Angeles, in partnership with the County of Los Angeles and CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), is providing free COVID-19 testing to ALL Los Angeles County residents, whether or not you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms,” the website says.

Testing is by appointment only, according to the city, and is also prioritized for “front-line workers who interact with the public.”

Garcetti said in a daily press briefing that many people who transmit coronavirus to others don’t know they have it. He said this is why providing testing to everyone is essential.

“Tonight, I am proud to announce that Los Angeles will become the first major city in America to offer wide-scale testing to all of its residents, with or without symptoms,” Garcetti said during a daily briefing. “Moving forward, the city of Los Angeles will be able to, whether you have symptoms or not, get tested.”

The mayor encourages anyone who thinks they may have COVID-19 or have been around anyone who is infected to get a test.

“You can’t put a price on the peace of mind of knowing you can’t infect somebody around you,” he said.