Anybody who needs a COVID-19 test is invited to come today to a drive-through testing at West Hawaii Civic Center between 8 a.m. and noon.  West Hawaii Civic Center is at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy at the intersection with Kealakehe Parkway.  The testing will be in the parking lot.

This extra test site is being set up by Premier Medical Group under the direction of Dr. Scott Miscovich because of possible community exposure to 3 employees at Kona Community Hospital known to have COVID-19, at least one working in the Emergency Department.  Anybody who was at the facility from July 8 on is urged to get tested.  Other community members who may have been exposed to anybody positive or who has symptoms or has traveled from the mainland where COVID-19 is rampant might wish to get tested as well.

Bring insurance card if you have insurance, bring your own pen, and wear a mask.  Lines might be long, so be prepared.

There are a number of other test sites on the island, including others open today and Sunday.  For an updated list provided by the County, click here.

Dr. Miscovich will be a guest on tomorrow’s Island Conversations program, talking with host Sherry Bracken about the G mutation of the coronavirus which has made it more contagious, the various kinds of COVID-19 tests, outbreaks in nursing homes, and more.  That interview will be available starting at 6 a.m. at   www.kwxx.com/podcast/island-conversations/

Update:  at 8 a.m. at West Hawaii Civic Center, around 50 cars were in line, with police and National Guard and County personnel helping Premier Medical Group.  The teams will test anybody in line by noon.