Memorial Hospital of Gardena hosted a free COVID-19 testing clinic for members of the community on Saturday, Jan. 22. Individuals who attended the clinic expressed appreciation for the gesture. Barbara Toca called the free testing clinic “kismet” as she needed a test for COVID and heard about the one-day free PCR testing through a community newsfeed. Toca is vaccinated and said she knows testing is also “so important.” The resident of Gardena for 25 years remembers that the hospital took good care of her when her appendix was removed several years ago. Sumio and Keiko Murakami were among the first to arrive for testing Saturday morning. They were among several husband- wife duos who made appointments after hearing about the free testing clinic from their church. Following the one-day free testing clinic, appointments for onsite COVID-19 testing can be made by calling 310-512-6141. PCR tests are covered by insurance or private pay. Individuals who come for testing will receive packets with hand sanitizer, an N95 face mask and COVID-19 educational information. The Multi-Specialty Clinic of Memorial Hospital of Gardena is located at 1141 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., Suite 212, Gardena. COVID-19 cases are rising in record numbers in our neighborhoods, MHG officials said. “We know the safety of our families, friends and neighbors is a priority for our community. “We all need to be vigilant, remember you can test negative today, and that can quickly change when exposed to people outside your household,” said Anchal Ghai, M.D., an emergency department physician and vice chair of the medical staff at Memorial Hospital of Gardena. She added, that “during this most recent COVID surge, testing opportunities have been hard to come by. “We want to provide this special service of COVID testing at this difficult time in our community.” Follow the guidance of the CDC and LA County Public Health Department, practice social distancing- avoid unnecessary gatherings, wear high quality protective masks such as N95s or KN95s, and test frequently at an accredited medical facility or government operated testing site. Those who should be tested include individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 – or those who have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.Memorial Hospital of Gardena has served the local community for more than 70 years. The hospital is proud to be designated as a Primary Stroke Center and is accredited as a Geriatric Emergency Department. Memorial Hospital Gardena is part of the Pipeline Health system. For more information, visit www.memorialhospitalgardena. com.
