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California

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 25, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in California, we recommend that you visit the Secretary of State's website or the California COVID-19 portal.

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Description of Program and Relief

Free COVID-19 Testing

On April 29, 2020, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that the City’s previously available free COVID-19 testing program is now available to all Angelenos, regardless of whether they are symptomatic. Individuals can sign up for testing at https://corona-virus.la/covid-19-testing.

Those eligible for priority testing (see Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions below) may schedule a same-day or next-day test. Tests are now being offered at more than 170 testing sites operating in the City of Los Angeles and the surrounding area. When an individual books an appointment, they will receive a confirmation with the date, time, and location of the appointment, as well as other details. Tests must be scheduled in advance; walk-in tests are not being offered.

The Los Angeles City Mobile Testing Group is bringing COVID-19 testing to communities throughout the City for people who are unable to drive to a testing site. Testing is walk up only. No appointment is necessary, but you can register in advance. The mobile pop-up COVID-19 testing locations can be found here.

Additionally, urgent COVID-19 testing may be available to facilities that house the elderly, chronically ill, or debilitated, including nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, or respiratory hospitals. Administrators or medical directors of such facilities can submit a testing request here.

Government or Lead Agency

City of Los Angeles, Office of the Mayor

Dates Available

Currently available.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Priority for the same or next day testing will be given to people with symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, a new loss of sense of smell or taste, fatigue, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.

Additionally, priority testing will be given to the following categories of workers:

  • First responders

  • Critical government personnel

  • Health care professionals

  • Grocery workers

  • Delivery, rideshare, taxi and public transit drivers

  • Credentialed members of the media

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Contact the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office at (213) 978-1028 or mayor.helpdesk@lacity.org.

List of Additional Information

FAQs about Los Angeles COVID-19 testing

Instructional video about Los Angeles COVID-19 testing. This video can also be found here.

City of Los Angeles COVID-19 updates: https://corona-virus.la/updates

Mayor Garcetti’s Press Release about Free COVID-19 Testing.

COVID-19: Keeping Los Angeles Safe: Frequently Asked Questions

Testing at Skilled Nursing Facilities


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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