LA Officials Have Changed Their Tune On Testing For All

For months, Los Angeles officials have been shouting from the mountaintops (via their live-streamed news conferences): "Free testing for all."

Now, they've narrowed what they mean by "for all."

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said this week that people who have little reason to believe they're infected should not be getting tests just for their own peace of mind — or because they want to know if it's safe to rage.

"A test is not a passport to party," he said.

L.A. public health officials are now saying you'll get priority for testing if:

• You have symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, shortness of breath and new loss of taste or smell
• You are over the age of 65 or have a chronic medical conditions
• You are an essential worker, for example, janitors, grocery and food service workers and health care workers.

If you think you've been exposed to COVID-19, you should self-quarantine for 14 days. But public health officials say you should wait to get tested until a few days after you've been exposed.
Oh, and please wear a mask.

READ OUR FAQ ON THE NEW TESTING GUIDELINES:

• Confused About Whether To Get A Coronavirus Test? Here's What You Need To Know

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