Long Beach to Provide Mobile COVID-19 Testing for Undocumented Immigrants
LONG BEACH (CNS) - Long Beach is teaming with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles to launch a new COVID-19 testing program focused on Latinx and undocumented communities, city officials announced today.
“My mom, who was an immigrant and worked with both undocumented and immigrant patients, passed away due to COVID-19. She knew how important testing and health care services are to these vulnerable populations,” Mayor Robert Garcia said. “In California, immigrants and Latinos are among the most likely to contract and die from this virus.”
The mobile testing units will have all the necessary equipment, personal protective gear and logistical items for testing stowed on board. The units are typically available weekdays for residents who are not able to leave their homes due to mobility issues or underlying health conditions.
My mom who passed away from COVID19 and was an immigrant and healthcare worker, knew how hard it was for the undocumented to get medical treatment.
— Robert Garcia (@RobertGarcia) September 22, 2020
So we’ve partnered with @CHIRLA to launch a first of its kind COVID19 mobile clinic to serve immigrants and the Latino community. pic.twitter.com/xmMtZU6t9f
Free testing will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. without an appointment this week at the following times and locations:
- Wednesday, Sept. 23: Westside Christian Church, 1594 W Willow St.
- Saturday, Sept. 26: Washington Middle School, 1450 Cedar Ave.
- Sunday, Sept. 27: Starr King Elementary School, 145 E Artesia Blvd.
“CHIRLA is proud to join forces with the city of Long Beach to ensure everyone in our community has access to COVID-19 testing and has the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy,” CHIRLA Executive Director Angelica Salas said.
“CHIRLA will help promote this valuable community effort far and wide and especially to our immigrant families who are vulnerable to this disease because of their role as essential workers and fear associated with their immigration status.”
Anyone who believes they have been exposed to COVID-19 can also get tested through their personal health care provider if they have one, some local pharmacies or at one of the six free COVID-19 testing sites in Long Beach:
- Long Beach City College, Pacific Coast Campus 1305 E Pacific Coast Highway, weekdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Jordan Plus High School, 171 W. Bort St., weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Long Beach City College, Veterans Stadium, 500 E Lew Davis Drive, weekdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.
- Cabrillo High School, 2001 Santa Fe Ave., weekends 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.
- Harbor District, 2100 W Anaheim St., weekdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.
- Rapid Assessment Clinic at Long Beach City College, Pacific Coast Campus, weekdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Appointments are required at these locations and can be made online or by calling the city's COVID-19 info line at 562-570-4636. Free testing is offered to all residents of Long Beach, Signal Hill, Lakewood, Paramount and Compton. There are no residency restrictions at the Jordan Plus High School site.
Top Image: A female doctor in protective workwear does a nose swab COVID-19 test on middle aged man wearing a protective face mask. | iStock
