With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Local Covid-19 Update: You No Longer Need An Appointment To Get A Coronavirus Test In LA County
A sign outside of a clinic in Maywood advertising COVID-19 Testing.(Chava Sanchez/LAist)
()
Appointments are no longer required at the 18 COVID-19 test sites run by L.A County, County Health Services Director, Doctor Christina Ghaly announced today.
The city of LA also doesn't require appointments for COVID-19 tests at the sites it operates.
This annoucemenet comes as coronavirus cases in the county dipped to their lowest level since before the deadly winter holiday surge.
Today health officials reported an additional 13 deaths and 880 new, confirmed cases, with just over 1,100 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19. As of the end of February, the seven-day average of new cases has dropped to about 700 cases — what county public health director Barbara Ferrer called a return to "pre-surge" levels.
Support for LAist comes from
()
But while she welcome the good news, Ferrer still warned that with infections ticking up in other states, not enough people are vaccinated to stop another spike in cases:
"L.A. County does not exist in a bubble, and we have learned that when cases across other parts of country increase, California can follow. So we can't afford to be complacent in our collective efforts to slow transmission."
To date, more than 800,000 Angelenos are now fully vaccinated, out of an adult population of about 8 million people.
Ferrer also confirmed today that starting Monday, March 15th, the county will expand vaccine eligibility to everyone aged 16 to 64 with a qualifying underlying health condition that makes them more susceptible to severe illness or death from COVID-19. That aligns with state guidance.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE NUMBERS:
Support for LAist comes from
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist