Monday, Jan. 11, marked the final day COVID-19 (coronavirus) testing could be completed at Dodger Stadium. The City of Los Angeles announced the site has been transitioned into a mass vaccination center in collaboration with the county.
The change was completed by the end of last week. Local leaders made the decision so public health officials could focus on personnel, equipment and other resources in vaccination distribution.
As the wait for the 2020 MLB season to begin continued, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti opened Dodger Stadium as a testing location. More than 1 million tests were administered as it became the largest such venue in the world, and that will now apply to COVID vaccinations.
“From early on in this pandemic, Dodger Stadium has been home base for our testing infrastructure, a vital part of our effort to track the spread of COVID-19, try to get ahead of outbreaks, and save lives,” Garcetti said in a statement.
“Vaccines are the surest route to defeating this virus and charting a course to recovery, so the City, County, and our entire team are putting our best resources on the field to get Angelenos vaccinated as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible.”
The Dodger Stadium site will be able to vaccinate up to 12,000 people per day once it is fully functional. All the while, citizens are urged to continue wearing masks, avoiding gatherings, maintaining social distance and staying home when possible.
The City of L.A. remains committed to providing Angelenos with free testing at eight permanent sites and six mobile locations in the region. Additional information can be found at coronavirus.lacity.org/testing.
Kasten hopeful to welcome fans to Dodger Stadium in 2021
At present time, MLB is remains on track to open Spring Training in February and stage Opening Day of 2021 regular season on April 1. That of course could easily change, and whether fans will be permitted at games remains unclear.
Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten nevertheless is hopeful that Dodger Stadium will open its doors to fans at some point during the 2021 season.
Speaking in broad terms and for all sports, Dr. Anthony Fauci suggested attendance would not be permitted until the end of summer.
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