KTA Super Stores is offering free COVID-19 testing on the Big Island four times a week.
To expand the network of free community testing, the Hawaii Department of Health has contracted pharmacies across the state to administer coronavirus tests.
KTA is receiving support from Hawaii County to utilize county buildings and Civil Defense personnel.
Testing on the Big Island is from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo, on Tuesdays at the Kona Aquatic Center in Kailua-Kona, and on Saturdays at Waimea District Park in Waimea.
KTA also is administering vaccinations at all testing locations.
People who are only getting vaccinated do not need to wait in the testing lines.
“DOH is working to make free testing available all across the state, especially as demand remains high,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char.
“This program immediately increases access to free testing for neighbor island residents. We continue to urge Hawaii residents to use all the tools available to them to stop this surge and protect themselves and their families.”
Preregistration at PreventCOVIDHI.com is recommended.
Testing sites offer PCR mid-turbinate testing, with results expected on the same day by email.
S&G Labs also is returning to the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium for its normal weekly schedule and will be providing testing in Hilo from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
Premier Medical Group’s mobile unit travels around the island to test communities every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.
A calendar of county testing by all three providers can be found at bit.ly/HawaiiCOVIDtesting.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com