LIHU‘E — A COVID-19 testing process that started more than two years ago is about to sunset on the island of Kaua‘i.
The County of Kaua‘i said its COVID testing centers at Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall and mobile van sites will shutter on Feb. 28. Free COVID testing at the convention hall started in October 2020, while mobile van sites populated in July 2021.
“We are incredibly grateful to our partners with the Kaua‘i District Health Office, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Department of Parks and Recreation, and all our past and present staff of our COVID testing sites for keeping our community safe,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami in a statement.
“Most importantly, I want to thank our residents and visitors for your commitment these past three years to keeping Kaua‘i one of the safest places in the country during the pandemic.”
The testing centers and mobile van have proven stout with nearly 90,000 COVID rapid polymerase chain reaction tests completed at the locations to date.
“Mahalo to the county and all those who have staffed the testing centers. Our community has been fortunate to have such robust and accessible testing, especially during the COVID-19 surges we saw last year,” said Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman in a statement.
“Fortunately, home tests are now widely available and are very effective. Please order your free home test kits now, if you haven’t already done so.”
The county will be joining forces with the Kaua‘i District Health Office to give away free home test kits in spring at a number of neighborhood centers. More information about the giveaways will be provided at a later date.
A home test is recommended if one of the following situations has occurred:
• If you begin having COVID-19 symptoms like fever, sore throat or runny nose.
• At least five days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19.
• If you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19, one negative home test is not enough; another test is recommended after 48 hours.
Free home COVID tests are also provided by the U.S. government, and are available to households via mail by visiting www.covid.gov/tests or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
For more information, visit the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s website at hawaiicovid19.com or call the Kaua‘i District Health Office at 808-241-3495.
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Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, can be reached at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.
