COVID-19 home testing kits provided by Hilo Medical Center were given away Monday morning at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
COVID-19 home testing kits provided by Hilo Medical Center were given away Monday morning at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
HMC gave out about 3,600 home testing kits on a first come, first served basis.
Each person took home enough tests for their household for free.
The tests are rapid COVID-19 tests called Quickvue, which usually cost about $24 for a pack of two.
Ruth Castillo decided to pick up some tests now that children are home for the winter break.
“I have kids at home right now and a babysitter who comes over sometimes,” Castillo said. “It’s nice to have these tests to make sure we are all safe since COVID is still out there.”
Others decided to get tests for upcoming travel or to make sure they are safe before seeing kupuna.
HMC will be receiving 4,000 more home tests at the beginning of next year and plans to distribute those to its primary health clinics and the Keaau and Pahoa communities.
