Premier Medical Group will provide free COVID-19 testing in Keaukaha on Thursday, August 27 at the Kawānanakoa Gymnasium at 156 Baker Avenue, Hilo, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.  The testing is drive-through.  People must wear masks at all times and practice physical distancing.

Right now, there are at least 74 people on the Big Island known to have confirmed cases of COVID-19 .  There are 10 people in Hilo Medical Center as of Tuesday, and most have been there several days.   CEO Dan Brinkman said on Tuesday that the hospital is able to handle the current case load.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim said on Tuesday that there have been large gatherings on the island with people not distancing and not wearing masks, including in Keaukaha.   He said on Tuesday, he signed a contract for Premier Medical Group to provide free testing, at a time when the island is experiencing the surge and there is concern about the spread.  He said it’s important for people to get tested to find out whether they may have the virus.

Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams was on O’ahu Tuesday, and said mass testing is the only way to really know how widespread the virus is in the state.   He urged, and Mayor Kim is urging, anybody who feels they need it–for whatever reason–to get tested.

No insurance is necessary to be tested, but please bring your insurance card if you have one.

For further information, please call Hawaii County Civil Defense at 935-0031.