More than 1 Million COVID-19 Tests Administered by the City of Long Beach since Pandemic Began

PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach has reached a COVID-19 testing milestone with more than 1 million COVID-19 tests administered at City-run testing sites since the pandemic began. Testing people for COVID-19, especially those who were in contact with someone who has the virus or those experiencing any COVID-like symptoms, is extremely important to help slow the spread.

"Reaching over a million COVID-19 tests shows how committed Long Beach is to providing COVID-19 testing to everyone who needs it," said Mayor Robert Garcia. "I can't thank the staff enough for all their hard work to meet the community's needs throughout the pandemic. With their help, we can continue offering widespread testing and vaccinations to keep our community safe."

To date, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has performed 1,000,288 tests at City-run testing sites. During the Omicron variant surge between Dec. 20, 2021, and Feb. 4, 2022, alone, more than 196,300 tests were administered, including nearly 10,000 in one day, meeting a critical need in a time of unprecedented testing demand. The Health Department continues to remain flexible and has the capacity to expand testing operations should the need arise.

"These one million tests are one million opportunities to protect our community," said Kelly Colopy, Director of Health and Human Services. "Thanks to the commitment and resilience of our staff, we have been able to overcome the many challenges we have faced, rise to the occasion, and surpass expectations in providing free, accessible testing for everyone."

COVID-19 testing continues to be offered seven days a week at the following sites:

• Long Beach City College, Pacific Coast Campus (Parking Lot 1, corner of Orange Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway)
  • Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Long Beach City College, Veterans Stadium (5000 E. Lew Davis St.)
  • Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cabrillo High School (2100-2198 Monitor Ave.)
  • Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Ramona Park (3301 E. 65th St.)
  • Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Many symptoms of COVID-19 resemble those of a cold, flu and allergies. Anyone experiencing congestion or a runny nose, the sniffles, sore throat, fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea should get tested for COVID-19 and otherwise stay home to prevent passing their illness onto others. Testing appointments can be made at longbeach.gov/covid19testing or by calling 562.570.4636.

On May 20, the City of Long Beach entered the Yellow (Medium) Tier of COVID-19 Community Levels, as outlined by the CDC, amid rising COVID-19 cases. The Health Department is urging residents to adhere to the Health Order. Additionally, Health Officials are strongly recommending Long Beach residents take additional measures to protect themselves and others and slow the spread, including masking indoors, especially after close contact with someone who tested positive. The Health Department also encourages other common-sense safety strategies, such as staying home when sick; frequent hand washing; testing for COVID-19 when in contact with someone who has the virus or when experiencing any COVID-like symptoms; and becoming vaccinated and boosted when eligible.

The Health Department continues to urge people to get vaccinated and boosted when eligible. Vaccines are safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 infection and especially effective in preventing hospitalization, serious illness, or death among breakthrough cases of the virus. To view the most up-to-date vaccine clinic schedule and schedule an appointment, visit longbeach.gov/vaxLB or call 562.570.4636.

For the latest information on COVID-19, with details on all that the City of Long Beach is doing to keep its residents safe, visit longbeach.gov/COVID19 and follow @LongBeachCity on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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