LIHU‘E — Beginning Sunday, free community COVID-19 testing will be available every Sunday through the end of the year.
The county, in partnership with the state Department of Health, has established testing sites that will rotate from Vidinha Stadium in Lihu‘e to Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex in Kapa‘a to Hanapepe Stadium.
Tests are targeted for those working in tourism industries, including hotels, food services, tour companies or transportation groups, who may have increased interaction with out-of-state travelers.
The free tests are available for those with or without insurance, regardless of employment.
“We want to encourage our hospitality industry staff who work closely with visitors to get tested, to help protect their family and friends and our entire community,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said in a statement.
The first testing site is Nov. 8 at Vidinha Stadium from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The next site, on Nov. 15, will be at the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex in Kapa’a at the same time. Then, at Hanapepe Stadium on Nov. 22.
This surge testing is not part of the state’s Safe Travels program or the county’s post-arrival testing program for out-of-state travelers.
To book an appointment for a free surge test, residents must visit doineedacovid19test.com, scroll down to Hawai‘i and select a test site and time. Limited on-site registration will be available for those who are unable to register online.
According to the surge-testing website, most testing locations will utilize either a self-administered nasal swab or a saliva test. It is advised to not eat, drink, smoke, use oral-care products or chew gum for 30 minutes prior to a saliva test.
Results will be available within three to five days via email.
The DOH Kaua‘i Health District Office advises those with COVID-19 symptoms or those who have come into close contact with somebody who has tested positive to quarantine at home.
For those not in close contact with an infected person and are not feeling sick, the office advises following “usual precautions” while waiting for test results, including wearing a mask, social distancing and hand washing.
For those who have developed symptoms while awaiting test results, call a primary doctor or the Wilcox virtual clinic at 462-5430, option 3.
Testing is available every Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.:
• Nov. 29: Lihu‘e – Vidinha Stadium;
• Dec.6: Kapa‘a – Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex;
• Dec.13: Hanapepe Stadium;
• Dec. 20: Lihu‘e – Vidinha Stadium;
• Dec. 27: Kapa‘a – Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex.
