Free combination flu and COVID-19 testing—in which a single swab is used—is being offered at city-run testing locations in Long Beach, officials announced yesterday.

“As flu season arrives, we have the potential of facing two major health crises, where folks could contract both COVID-19 and the flu,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement.

The single swab tests for both the flu and COVID-19, and will enable people to seek the right care, city officials said.

“This new combination testing will help people experiencing flu-like symptoms to know if they have COVID-19 or the flu and which steps to take to recover and keep those around them safe,” said Kelly Colopy, the director of the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services. “This is especially important as colder weather approaches and people spend more time indoors.”

Free testing is offered to residents of Long Beach, Signal Hill, Lakewood, Paramount and Compton, with the combination tests available by appointment only at city-run sites.

Appointments may be made online or by calling the city’s COVID-19 info line at 562-570-INFO (4636).

The city is also offering free flu shots at select COVID-19 testing sites.

Long Beach has conducted more than 288,000 COVID-19 tests through city-run sites, a state-run site and private laboratories, according to the city.

The city, like the County of Los Angeles, is warning residents to be vigilant as new COVID-19 cases continue to surge upward across the region and country.