The Los Angeles Mexican consulate has opened a new coronavirus testing center on Wednesday to serve California's Latino community better.

The Mexican consulate has noted that Latinos have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Using state and federal funding from the CARES Act, the new coronavirus testing site was set up by L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis at the MacArthur Park area. It was launched alongside the Honduran, Guatemalan, Salvadoran and Mexican consulates, reported Los Angeles Times.

Appointments and walk-ins for coronavirus testing will be made Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It started on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

The site is expected to run 1,500 free tests in a week, according to CBS Los Angeles.

Officials found that Latinos in L.A. were found to be at-risk communities in the county, so they are encouraged to come to the site. To make an appointment, call (888) 634-1123.

Which communities can the site help?

The testing site can help those who speak Spanish, Zapotec, Quiché or other Mayan languages, said a KTLA report.

In a Wednesday morning news conference, Solis recognized the need for more testing. "I know there are a lot of needs here. The numbers don't lie."

Another testing center also started at San Diego County Wednesday at the U.S. - Mexico Border. It is believed to be one of a kind, as reported by Associated Press.

There is no need to set appointments at the San Ysidro Port of Entry PedEast site. Testing is also free and will focus on testing essential workers who cross the international border every day.

It is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, and it's expected to test around 200 people daily.

Officials said no one would be asked about their immigration status on both testing sites.

Mexican Consul General Marcela Celorio also stressed that, with or without health insurance, the community could be given the free testing at the location.

"Having COVID-19 isn't something to be ashamed of," Celorio said.

She told those who are hesitant to come forward that the virus can happen to anyone, so if it strikes them, they have to ask for help.

"It doesn't matter if you're documented or undocumented," Celorio added.

Solis is hoping the new MacArthur Park site will keep operating through December, or as long as there are funds to be used for it. She also announced new testing sites that will open in other at-risk areas such as Huntington Park and Azusa.

Demand for COVID-19 Testing

The pandemic has had more severe effects on people of color, particularly Latinos who make up much of the essential workers in restaurants and farms, Gov. Gavin Newsom said.

Solis also noted this, adding that Latinos and other essential workers have limited access to health care. This is the reason why her office is "committed to opening more COVID-19 testing sites."

A recent poll also found that Latinos are more worried about the health crisis than other residents in California.

As reported by healthcare facility Clinica Romero, which serves some Latino communities, 30% to 40% of those who come in to get tested are COVID-19 positive.

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