Hawaii County Civil Defense has announced there is a drive-through testing for COVID-19 at University of Hawaii at Hilo Gym today from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  Premier Medical Group is conducting the testing and says they welcome anybody.

The state had its highest count of new confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday at 41, at which time the State Department of Health said Hawaii Island had 8 active cases, spread all around the island.  This morning, Hawaii County Civil Defense says the island has 9 active cases.

Dr. Scott Miscovich, head of Premier Medical Group, has spearheaded testing throughout the state.   He has said he believes people should be tested if they are frequently in contact with large numbers of people, is a first responder,  is in the travel or tour business, believes they’ve been exposed to COVID-19 whether or not they meet the State DOH requirements for testing, or has some of the known symptoms of COVID-19.   The medical professionals on site will screen those interested, and use their judgment on the appropriateness of a test for somebody. Yesterday in several interviews Miscovich was critical of the state’s plan to reopen tourism and incoming travel on August 1 without more clarity on how it will be handled.

To hear an interview with Dr. Miscovich, recorded in late May, where he discusses testing, how COVID-19 is changing healthcare, what he’s seen in his COVID-19 patients, and more, click here.

Photo is testing at Ali’i Health at Keauhou Shopping Center.