Los Angeles County has committed $400,000 in one-time bridge funding to support staffing-related costs at COVID-19 testing sites operated by CORE within the city of Los Angeles.  

The county’s contribution to CORE will help support current operations while the nonprofit secures other funding. In addition to supporting CORE testing sites, the county will continue funding its nine testing sites and is also preparing to add additional locations for COVID-19 testing in coming weeks in areas identified as hot spots where data illustrates high test positivity, low testing access and high mortality rates. That effort will include partnerships with community-based organizations to aggressively target high-risk communities through street outreach teams going door-to-door to disseminate information about COVID-19 prevention.

The county’s financial support to CORE aims to preserve critical testing access, especially in low-income, vulnerable communities adversely impacted by the pandemic. 

“Access to COVID-19 testing is one of the many critical steps needed to protect the safety and well-being of Los Angeles County residents and help support our recovery,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, 5th District, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “This funding provides the opportunity for the county to maintain crucial testing sites and ensure the availability of appointments throughout the entire region, helping to keep our community safe.” 

“With increased community spread of COVID-19 and heightened demand for testing, the county is pleased to step up and financially support CORE and ensure continued access to testing, especially for our at-risk communities,” said Dr. Christina Ghaly, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. “As transmission of this virus accelerates, it’s more important than ever to work together to resolve short-term funding shortfalls and remain united in protecting the health and safety of all residents.”

Individuals needing testing who are symptomatic or have a known exposure to a positive case are urged to first seek testing from their health provider. Individuals needing referral to a medical provider can call 211. People can also register for a COVID-19 test at multiple government-operated and sites by visiting covid19.lacounty.gov/testing.