Los Angeles County is stepping up its fight against COVID-19 with a lifeline for its most vulnerable residents: free testing for homeless communities. Over 5,000 people in Skid Row—a neighborhood grappling with dense encampments—accessed pop-up testing stations this week, offering a glimmer of hope amid rising cases. 📈
Freelancer Matteo Ghidoni captured the effort on camera, showcasing how officials are tackling the crisis head-on. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti revealed nearly 300 homeless individuals were moved into shelters with spaced-out beds in just three days, with over 1,000 now available. 🛏️
\"We’re prioritizing areas like Skid Row because no one should be left behind,\" Garcetti told Ghidoni. Walk-up testing centers are strategically placed in high-density encampments, part of a collaboration between the mayor’s office and County Public Health. 🩺
With 440 new cases and 18 deaths reported Sunday, the initiative underscores the urgency of protecting marginalized groups. For LA’s homeless population, this isn’t just about tests—it’s about dignity. 💙
