Getting Tested for COVID-19: What You Need to Know

The City and the County of Los Angeles are partnering to provide free COVID-19 testing to LA residents at multiple locations county-wide. At this time testing is only for people experiencing symptoms, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath.

According to the county's Covid-19 testing website, "Tests are limited to residents of Los Angeles County with COVID-19 symptoms who are in the most high-risk categories and most vulnerable.

Individuals eligible for testing at this time include:

• Those with symptoms who are 65 and older

• Those with symptoms who have underlying chronic health conditions

First responders, critical government workers and health care professionals have priority and should contact their affiliated hospital, medical center or department for scheduling information.

If you're getting a COVID-19 test, do not eat, drink, use mouthwash or chew gum at least one hour prior to your appointment. At the drive-in testing locations, do not roll down your window until instructed to do so, and have your photo ID and registration number ready. You will be given a test kit and directed to follow the instructions on the kit. This is an oral swab test and can be done without assistance from personnel. Learn more about test preparations and procedures here.