Aloha Kona Urgent Care will offer COVID-19 testing and antibody testing today at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View from 10 until 2.

Anybody concerned may walk in, bike in, or drive in.

All are asked to bring their own pen, a photo I.D.,  and insurance information for those who have health insurance (it’s not required).  COVID-19 testing is free, as charges are covered by the Federal CARES Act.  There is generally a copay, around $40 to $45, for antibody testing.

Health officials nationwide say widespread testing is important to understand where COVID-19 is and to stop the spread.

COVID-19 testing

This determines if you have COVID-19 now.  It will require a deep nasal swab conducted by a healthcare professional.

Clinic physicians on site will talk with you about symptoms, possible exposure, travel, and other factors to see if it makes sense for you to be tested.   The screening criteria will be based on guidance of the CDC plus the Aloha Kona Urgent Care team’s judgment.

For Antibody Testing:

Antibody testing can determine if you have previously had COVID-19.  It will be a blood draw, done on site by a certified phlebotomist, to detect whether you have antibodies in your system.   Dr. Scott Miscovich of Premier Medical Group, which is not involved in today’s testing, says people should have antibody tests if they are first responders, healthcare professionals, tourist-facing workers (airport, tour buses, ocean tours, rental car shuttle drivers, etc.), grocery and retail store employees who’ve been working during the shutdown for many businesses, those whose family members have had COVID-19, and those previously diagnosed with COVID-19 to detect the level of antibodies.

Photo is blood drawing for antibody testing at Old Kona Airport Gym on May 29.