April 28, 2020
COVID-19 Testing at the South Bay Galleria

All Los Angeles County residents with COVID-19 symptoms can now book a same or next day appointment.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as extreme shortness of breath, contact your physician. If it is an emergency, dial 911.

For more questions about testing, please visit  the City of Los Angeles' FAQ  for answers to frequently asked questions.
Testing is also available for any workers in the following categories, with or without symptoms of COVID-19 :
  • First responders
  • Critical government personnel
  • Health care professionals
  • Grocery workers
  • Delivery, rideshare and public transit drivers
  • Credentialed members of the media
If you are a critical worker in one of these categories, please CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment. If you are not sure whether you qualify, ask your employer for further information.
CDC Announces New Symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has added new symptoms reported by people with COVID-19 – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of these symptoms:
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Why Testing is Important

If you have symptoms, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health encourages you to get tested at one of the testing sites throughout the region or through your healthcare provider.

Testing is safe and takes on average 5-10 minutes to complete.

Expanding testing capacity allows us to more accurately track the spread of the virus in our community. Upon diagnosis, individuals are able to self-isolate and notify their close contacts to self-quarantine. This contact tracing helps prevent further spread of COVID-19.
Diagnostic Testing vs. Antibody Testing
There are two kinds of tests for COVID-19:
Diagnostic tests check samples from your respiratory system (such as swabs of the inside of the cheek or nose) to tell if you currently have an infection. This is the type of test available to the general public and being self-administered at the South Bay Galleria testing site.
Antibody tests , also called serologic tests, check your blood for antibodies that would show if you have had a previous infection. Antibodies are proteins that help fight off germs. A serologic test may not be able to show if you have a current infection, because it can take 1 to 3 weeks to make antibodies after symptoms occur.
We do not know yet if having antibodies to COVID-19 can protect someone from getting infected with the virus again, or how long that protection might last. Scientists are doing studies to answer those questions.
#SaferAtHomeBeachCities
Need Help with Health Information and Referrals?

If you or someone you know in the Beach Cities needs assistance with errands, health-related information or referrals, please call our Assistance, Information & Referral line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256 , seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. You can also visit us online at bchd.org/resources