Hawaii County is sponsoring three COVID-19 test sites today. Anybody who wishes to get a COVID-19 test, if they have symptoms or not, is invited to get a test at no charge. The CDC says that now, around 50% of the cases are being spread by people with no symptoms (asymptomatic). The Big Island’s daily case increase yesterday was only 3, but in the last week there have been 50 new cases on the island. The island has had 1,691 total cases. While relatively small compared to other locations, the concern is always that the island could have a surge in cases. Not only do some people get severe symptoms with COVID-19, the island’s hospitals could get overwhelmed if the virus gets out of control.
• Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo, 8 a.m. until noon
• West Hawaii Civic Center in Kona, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
• Kea’au High School, 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
These tests are drive-through, and people wishing to get tested should bring a photo I.D. and health insurance information, if they have health insurance. It is not necessary to have insurance to be tested.
Please wear a mask while at the test site.
In addition, it’s important for everybody on the island to wear a mask when in public and within six feet of others, always inside public facilities, and when with non-household members. In addition, everybody is urged to avoid gatherings and to practice the normal hygiene precautions.
Photo is a previous testing at Afook Civic Auditorium.
