Mobile COVID-19 testing vans to roll out soon

A mobile COVID-19 testing system is expected to be operational within the next two weeks, Mayor Harry Kim confirmed Tuesday.

Three vans, staffed with six individuals, will be provided and funded entirely by a “very gracious and generous benefactor,” he said.

The mobile units will be at the county’s disposal to use as needed.

“Now we can go and have the ability to send people out right away, almost like an ambulance-in-waiting,” Kim said. “In regards to the teams we send out now, it takes at least a couple of days to mobilize people and resources we need to isolate an area and go there.”

The mobile testing units will not only have the capability to take test samples, but can process and obtain the results on-site, which the county cannot do currently, he said.

Kim said there have been delays trying to find an approved testing agency and vehicles, but those matters have been resolved.

Premier Medical Group has been contracted to perform the testing.

“It’s all in the works, and hopefully there will be a tremendous boost to us in regards to getting the tests to where it’s needed,” Kim said.

Email Stephanie Salmons at ssalmons@hawaiitribune-herald.com.