While the Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t yet able to play games at Dodger Stadium, it is temporarily being used as a coronavirus (COVID-19) testing location. It officially opened Tuesday morning, with L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten holding a press conference on the infield.
“We’re excited to do this because this builds on the work we’ve been doing for the past weeks and months,” Garcetti said. “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.”
“I know we would rather be here in a different context. We’d rather be here rooting on the Boys in Blue, seeing the heroes on the field come from behind and have an incredible comeback victory in the ninth inning, looking out at the most beautiful view of any stadium. We’ll get back to that soon enough. I truly believe that.”
Upon introducing Kasten, Garcetti also made a reference to the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal that cost the Dodgers a World Series in 2017. Kasten of course did not touch on the subject, instead emphasizing that Angelenos take advantage of the resources being provided.
“There’s a lot more that goes on here than just baseball,” Kasten began. “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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