The Los Angeles Post

UPDATE ON TEMPORARY CLOSURES AT SELECT LA COUNTY COVID-19 TESTING SITES DUE TO UNHEALTHY AIR QUALITY

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Due to safety concerns from hazardous and unhealthy air quality in smoke-impacted regions across LA County, the following LA County COVID-19 testing sites will be closed through the weekend:

The following testing sites are closed today, September 11th:

  • California State University, Los Angeles (Los Angeles)
  • College of the Canyons (Santa Clarita)
  • East LA College (Monterey Park)
  • Pomona Fairplex Gate 17 (Pomona)
  • San Gabriel Valley Airport (El Monte)
  • Montebello Civic Center (Montebello)
  • Panorama City (Panorama)

The following testing sites will remain closed September 12th – 13th:

  • East LA College (Monterey Park)
  • Pomona Fairplex Gate 17 (Pomona)
  • San Gabriel Valley Airport (El Monte)
  • Montebello Civic Center (Montebello) (testing site is not open on Sundays)

The LA County Dept. of Health Services continues to closely monitor the updated air quality index and advisories issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and will regularly reassess opening of the testing sites impacted by the local wildfires.

All residents who had a testing appointment at an impacted testing site will be notified to reschedule their appointment. Same-day appointments are still available at testing sites across LA County. Residents who would like to make an appointment or reschedule their appointment at a convenient location not impacted by poor air quality should visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing or call 2-1-1.

Testing is also widely available within the provider community. Residents who have a regular source of care should first seek testing from their healthcare provider if they are symptomatic or have a known positive exposure. Those without a regular provider can call the County’s 2-1-1 information line for assistance.

Smoke from the two major local wildfires – the El Dorado Fire burning in the San Bernardino Mountains, and the Bobcat Fire burning north of Azusa and Glendora in the Angeles National Forest – is producing substantial amounts of wildfire smoke, which can be harmful to your health. Symptoms from wildfire smoke include burning eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, headaches and illness, e.g., bronchitis. Those with sensitive conditions can experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, fatigue and chest pain. Please click here for a list of recommendations on how to protect your health from the harmful effects of the current unhealthy air quality.

For the latest information on testing site closures and to make an appointment for a COVID-19 test, please visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/.