With Hawaii County having 64 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 32 of them as a result of one cluster started at the McDonald’s in Kailua-Kona, it’s clear how important it is for people with symptoms or who have had direct contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient, get screened and if appropriate, tested.  There are several one-day testing sites this week, and a number of ongoing testing sites.

For all, please bring a photo I.D. and if you have insurance, please bring your card. Please also try to bring your own pen to fill out the forms.   Symptoms include fever, dry cough, difficulty in breathing, loss of taste and smell.  Medical personnel will also ask about off island travel history and about possible exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 patient.  They encourage people with exposure to possible victims–first responders, health providers, etc. — to get screened.

There is screening and testing today at St. Jude’s Church in Ocean View from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Friday, there is screening and testing at the Honoka’a Sports Complex’s lower level, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Access is through the Akia St. entrance.

Saturday, there is screening and testing at Kamehameha Park in Kapa’au from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

In addition, there are ongoing screening and testing sites around the island:

Hilo Medical Center:  Call your primary care provider and ask them if you need a test.  The provider must place the order directly with Clinical Labs Hawaii.  The testing tents are in the parking lot across from Hilo Medical Center, 1285 Waianuenue Avenue, Monday through Friday, 10  til 2.

The following screening and testing sites do not need an advance doctor’s order, and will have a medical professional provide an on-site medical assessment and have set up special drive-up testing tents.   Take your photo I.D. and a health insurance card, if you have one.

Puna Community Medical Center, in Malama Marketplace in Pahoa:  Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. til 4 p.m.

Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital, now in the emergency department at the main hospital site:  Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m. til 2 p.m.

Ali’i Health Center at Keauhou Shopping Center:  Monday and Thursday, 8 a.m. til noon.   For advance screening to shorten the process, call weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to  808-747-8321, option 5

Hilo Civic Auditorium/Ho’olulu Complex:  Sundays, 8 a.m. til 3 p.m.

Kaiser Permanente patients should call the clinic and speak to a provider.  Or go online, kp.org — they have a COVID-19 screening section.

West Hawaii Community Health Center is doing testing for patients; those concerned may sign up with WHCHC on a same-day basis.  Please call West Hawaii Community Health Center, located at the intersection of Kuakini and Hualalai Roads, at 808-326-5629.  They take all patients regardless of ability to pay.

Bay Clinic is doing testing for patients, with drive-through COVID-19 testing  open to Bay patients on weekdays from 7:30 am -12:00 pm at 450 Kilauea Ave.  Questions, call 808-333-3600.  Bay Clinic takes all  patients regardless of ability to pay.

As of Tuesday, April 22, the State Department of Health says 25,185 tests for COVID-19 have been conducted statewide at state and local laboratories, with 24,567 negatives and 34 inconclusive  results.  The State has 586 positive cases.   Twelve people have died.

Photo is an earlier drive-through testing at Old Kona Airport.