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CONTACT: Rosa Maria Santana, Deputy Communications Director, (213) 359-0795 or rsantana@bos.lacounty.gov
Los Angeles, CA - With data revealing communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and the Mexican Consulate of Los Angeles partnered on Wednesday to open a new COVID-19 testing site in MacArthur Park. Located inside the Mexican Consulate, this free testing site will keep local communities healthy and slow the spread of COVID-19 by identifying individuals who need to isolate and receive medical care.
“Expanding access to COVID-19 testing is imperative to slowing the spread of this highly contagious virus,” said Supervisor Solis. “Many Latino immigrants and communities of color are hardworking essential workers with limited access to healthcare, which is why I am committed to opening more COVID-19 testing sites. The Westlake and Pico Union neighborhoods have been particularly impacted by COVID-19, and this testing site demonstrates the County’s investment to resolve the harm this crisis has caused the community. I thank the Mexican Consulate for its partnership in removing barriers to free testing and making sure all residents are safe and healthy.”
At Supervisor Solis’ direction, the County is opening this testing site in the MacArthur Park neighborhood to improve community access. More than 1,500 tests will be administered weekly.
“The pandemic is not over and the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles remains committed to the safety of its team and the community it serves,” said Marcela Celorio, Consul General for the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles. “Furthermore, we recognize that this disease does not make distinctions and anyone can get infected. For this reason, we decided to open this testing site, convinced that the more tests administered, the easier it will be to control the pandemic.”
Testing will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Same day walk-ins will be accommodated at this site. In addition, staff will assist local residents who speak Spanish, Zapotec, Quiché, or other Mayan language.
“I am so grateful that Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis is providing COVID-19 testing at the Mexican Consulate. This will greatly enhance our outreach efforts to urge our constituents in Westlake and Pico Union, both high risk areas for COVID-19 that have the highest number of positive cases and deaths in my district, to get tested,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Gil Cedillo, First District. “It is absolutely necessary that people know the dangers and conditions that we’re living in so that they will do the things that are necessary. I have stressed on many occasions that there is no value in soft-selling the conditions, particularly in this part of my district where we’re met with the challenges of poverty, immigration status, and density. Please remember to wear a mask, practice social distancing of at least 6-feet, wash your hands frequently and take advantage of this free testing site.”
For more information, please visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing or dial 2-1-1. COVID-19 testing is not subject to public charge.
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