Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that typically causes mild to moderate illness, like the common cold, but can lead to dangerous complications. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China and is now infecting people around the world.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Symptoms may also include: chills, muscle or body pain, fatigue, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, congestion or runny nose, or new loss of taste or smell. This list of symptoms is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

When To Seek Emergency Medical Attention

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
● Trouble breathing
● Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
● New confusion
● Inability to wake or stay awake
● Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking
care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

How to Get Tested for COVID-19

Testing still plays an important role in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Free COVID-19 testing is available to all Los Angeles County residents at drive-up and walk-up testing sites. Appointments are currently not needed and you are able to register on-site at LA County and City of LA testing sites. Appointments can still be made and can help reduce wait times.

Testing is currently recommended if you:
● Have symptoms of COVID-19.
● Were asked by LA County Department of Public Health to get a test because of a contact tracing or outbreak investigation.
● Were in “close contact” with someone who has COVID-19 in the past 2 weeks.
● Work or live in places such as skilled nursing facilities, group homes, residential care facilities, correctional facilities or homeless shelters.
● Are a person experiencing homelessness.
● Are an essential worker with frequent contacts with the public in the following areas: health care, emergency, food and grocery services, factory workers in food and retail, public transportation, and education.
● Don't have symptoms but believe you may be infected now because you were exposed to people who were sick, were around many people who were not wearing face coverings, and/or were not keeping safe distance in the past 2 weeks.

Los Angeles County is continuously updating data on COVID-19 infections, click here to view latest data points.

Los Angeles County has met the threshold for the less restrictive yellow tier in the State's Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Every county in California is assigned to a tier based on its positivity rate, adjusted case rate, and health equity metric.

A revised Los Angeles County Health Officer Order was issued on Friday May 14 at 12:01 a.m. to reflect newly permitted activities. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of what LA County’s new tier status means for businesses and their customers:

If I received a COVID-19 vaccine outside the US, am I considered to be fully vaccinated when I am in the US? 

If you got a full series of a COVID-19 vaccine that is approved or authorized by the FDA or listed by the WHO: You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your final dose. If you got some or all of a series of a COVID-19 vaccine that is NOT approved or authorized by the FDA or listed by the WHO: You are not considered to be fully vaccinated by US authorities. 

If you want to be considered fully vaccinated in the US, you will need to complete a new series of a vaccine that is authorized or approved by the FDA or listed by the WHO. You should wait at least 28 days before starting an FDA authorized/approved COVID-19 vaccine primary series. 

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?

Yes. Adults and children aged 5 and over can get a COVID-19 vaccine simultaneously as other vaccines, such as measles, whooping cough, and flu. If your child gets a COVID-19 vaccine at a place that doesn’t offer the other necessary vaccines, you can go to a different location to get them at any time. There is no need to wait between vaccines.

What are the free at-home COVID-19 Tests? 

(Please note, this program has sunset) The USPS tests available for order: 

• Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR
• It can be taken anywhere
• Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)
• Work whether or not you have COVID-⁠19 symptoms
• Work whether or not you are up to date on your COVID-⁠19 vaccines
• These are also referred to as self-tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests

The LA County tests available for order:

• Are NOT same-day results
• Require the test to be mailed back for testing with free shipping
• Work whether or not you have COVID-⁠19 symptoms
• Work whether or not you are up to date on your COVID-⁠19 vaccines

How do I get free at-home COVID-19 tests? 

As of December, 2022, the White House has announced a new limited round of free at-home COVID-19 tests for the winter. Households can now order either standard at-home tests or tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. Shipping is free.

Older adults and people with disabilities who need support ordering the free at-home tests can contact the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) or the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL, 888-677-1199).  Staff are available to assist you from 8 AM to 9 PM ET Monday through Friday. They can help you learn more about testing options, including by connecting you to accessible instructions and helping with test administration.

If you are 65 years or older or cannot leave your home AND have symptoms of COVID-19, you can receive a free at-home test through the County of LA. Visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Website.