Early diagnosis of COVID-19 is critical to curbing its spread and improving health outcomes
The City of Lancaster, in partnership with Antelope Valley Hospital, will now be offering free COVID-19 testing to all asymptomatic Lancaster residents.
The health and safety of the community is of the utmost importance to Mayor R. Rex Parris and the Lancaster City Council. To help defeat the virus, the Mayor and City Council made it possible to offer COVID-19 testing to asymptomatic patients back in September, but at a cost. Funds have now been made available to offer this resource for free for residents.
“Free testing will not only contribute to the safety and well-being of our community, but also support our ability to move into the next phase and begin to open up our City,” said Mayor Parris. “We must continue to slow the spread of this virus, wear a mask, keep socially distanced, and now with the new available resource, get tested.”
The State of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy outlines the phases in which a County can reopen safely. Currently, Lancaster, as part of Los Angeles County, is still in the purple “widespread” phase meaning that many non-essential indoor business operations remain closed. Lancaster understands the importance of testing and expanding testing to move towards the next phase of opening. All residents are encouraged to take advantage of this resource.
Individuals with COVID-19, even if they are presenting zero symptoms, can unknowingly pass the infection to others. Testing is crucial to understanding the spread of the pandemic and responding appropriately. Without data on who is infected by the virus we have no way of understanding the pandemic.
Residents who wish to get tested for COVID-19 may do so by signing up and scheduling an appointment at cityoflancasterca.org/testing. Testing will be held Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the outpatient building at Antelope Valley Hospital. All participants will have access to their results online and will be contacted by a doctor should they test positive. Surrounding community members are also encouraged to get tested; there is a nominal fee associated for non-Lancaster residents.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your Primary Care Physician. For those who need additional healthcare support, please visit: covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/.
For any questions regarding testing please visit cityoflancasterca.org/testing or call (661) 723-6000.