Hawaii County Civil Defense is urging people to practice all the normal things needed to stem the tide of COVID-19 on the island, including mask wearing, avoiding gatherings, and distancing from others.  But the agency is also urging people to get tested for COVID-19 as a way to identify those with positive cases in advance of spreading them.

Free, drive through testing is today at two sites:

–West Hawaii Civic Center from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

–Kamakoa Nui Park in Waikoloa Village from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Although testing is free, you’re asked to bring insurance information if you have it.  And please wear a mask.

The county added 45 new cases on Friday, the largest single-day case increase since counting began.  Most are on the West side of the island, many in connection with the University of the Nations in Kona.