Last week, Dodger Stadium opened as the largest coronavirus (COVID-19) testing site in the state, and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also touted it as likely second to none in the nation.
But amid looters taking away from the message George Floyd protestors worked to spread over the weekend throughout Southern California, all coronavirus testing locations in the city of Los Angeles were closed out of precaution.
As of Tuesday morning, only Dodger Stadium and the Kedren Community Health Center remained the only locations conducting coronavirus testing within L.A. city limits. The expectation is other testing centers will be re-opened Wednesday, though that was the initial expectation for Tuesday.
Those who had appointments on Monday and Tuesday at another location were automatically moved to Dodger Stadium, where the site can conduct up to 6,000 tests on a daily basis.
“We’re excited to do this because this builds on the work we’ve been doing for the past weeks and months,” Garcetti said last week. “We want testing to be easy, accessible and free for everybody here in Los Angeles. We don’t have to you to have to wait in long lines.
“We’re not slowing up. We’re not letting up. And today’s opening of this site at Dodger Stadium is proof of that. “So, if you want to get tested, you can. Whether you have symptoms, no symptoms, mild symptoms. Don’t let something hold you back from getting a test.”
The official press conference to open the Dodger Stadium testing location was attended by Los Angeles Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten and members of CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), among others.
“There’s a lot more that goes on here than just baseball,” Kasten said. “Through the years, we’ve had concerts, cultural events in the stadium and our parking lots, but I don’t know if anything has ever been more important than what brings us here today.
“In the largest testing facility in America — certainly California — we’re going to be able to test 6,000 people a day. Which means in one week we’re going to be able to test more than we have in the 10 weeks that came before it. I’m very proud of that.
“The Dodgers, since they arrived in Los Angeles, have been an integral part of the community. The community has given to us and we have always tried to give back. Everyone, please take advantage, get yourself tested. As the Mayor said, this is how we get back to normal.”
An appointment is required to receive a free test, which can be registered for by visiting the city’s website.
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