COVID-19, antibody testing slated Friday, Saturday

Premier Medical Group, with the support of the County of Hawaii, HOPE Services and Hawaii National Guard, will offer drive-through COVID-19 screening and testing clinics in Kailua-Kona on Friday and Waikoloa on Saturday.

The Kailua-Kona drive-through testing will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Old Kona Airport Park. The Waikoloa drive-through testing will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kamakoa Nui Park.

Individuals must first undergo a screening to determine if they meet the criteria to be tested. Clinic physicians on site will make the determination regarding testing. The screening criteria will be based on guidance of the CDC and the State’s COVID-19 Response Task Force.

People who visit the screening clinic will be asked to show photo ID. Additionally, people are requested to bring their own pen, and any health insurance cards they have, although insurance is not required.

The partners will also be conducting antibody testing to determine if someone has previously been infected with COVID-19.

Antibody testing will be offered only to those previously identified as having had the coronavirus, or those with high risk exposures, including health care workers, first responders, and family members or those with close contact to known positives. A simple blood draw detects the presence of SARS-Cov2 IgG antibodies in your system. Note: there is a $43 out-of-pocket cost to people whose medical insurance plans do not cover the antibody test. Call your insurance provider to find out if you’re covered.

For more information, call Hawaii County Civil Defense at 935-0031 or Premier Medical Group at (808) 304-9745