LIHUE, Hawaii — The County of Kauai announced that the last day for its COVID-19 testing centers at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall and mobile van sites is Feb. 28.

What You Need To Know

  • The federal government offers free home COVID tests to the public at its website or by calling 1-800-232-0233

  • Kauai County is partnering with KDHO to distribute free home tests in the spring at the island’s various neighborhood centers

  • Visit the State Department of Health’s website or call the Kauai District Health Office at 808-241-3495 for updates and resources

The county has allocated nearly 900,000 COVID-19 rapid PCR tests at the convention hall since it opened in Oct. 2020 and at mobile sites since July 2021.

“We are incredibly grateful to our partners with the Kauai District Health Office, Kauai 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 Kawakami in a news release. “Most importantly, I want to thank our residents and visitors for your commitment these past three years to keeping Kauai one of the safest places in the country during the pandemic.”

Dr. Janet Berreman, Kauai District Health Officer, added, “Our community has been fortunate to have such robust and accessible testing, especially during the COVID-19 surges we saw last year. 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 federal government offers free home COVID tests to the public at its website or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

Kauai County is partnering with KDHO to distribute free home tests in the spring at the island’s various neighborhood centers. More information will become available prior to those events.

Health officials recommend home tests in the following situations: at the onset of COVID-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, runny nose, etc.; five days after coming into close contact with someone who has COVID-19; and when going to a gathering of people, especially if someone is at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID vaccines. Note that one negative home test isn’t sufficient to ensure you aren’t infected; you should test again after 48 hours.

Officials also continue to advise the public to stay home when sick, get tested when ill or exposed, stay up to date on COVID vaccinations, avoid large gatherings, and wear masks in crowded indoor settings.

Visit the State Department of Health’s website or call the Kauai District Health Office at 808-241-3495 for updates and resources.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.