Free coronavirus antibody testing site opens for limited time in Baldwin Hills

Free COVID-19 antibody testing site opens in Baldwin Hills

A free serology testing site opened Wednesday in Baldwin Hills and people were lining up to find out if they had COVID-19 antibodies.

LOS ANGELES - Dozens of people flocked to Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza Wednesday to take advantage of free coronavirus antibody tests that will be offered for six days over the next two weeks.

The free testing is being offered through a partnership between the mall, Intentional Talk Radio and Orange County-based nonprofit GUARDaHEART. Testing will be offered on an appointment basis from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, and again Aug. 12-14 in the mall parking lot at Stocker and Victoria View Park avenues.

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The tests are designed to detect COVID-19 antibodies, which indicate that the test subject was at one time infected with the coronavirus.

"This will help ensure people of Los Angeles to know whether they have developed COVID-19 antibodies, as we work to reopen our community," GUARDaHEART founder Estrella Harrington said in a statement. "It will help slow the spread and reduce the risk of community spread. We want to ensure finances are no obstacle to battling the COVID-19 virus and ensure a safe reopening."

The testing is free of charge. People can schedule a test at www.guardaheart.org. Walk-up testing will also be available, but people without appointments may experience longer wait times.