Hilo Medical Center will be distributing 1,500 home COVID-19 testing kits at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium at 10 a.m. Friday.
The first 1,500 recipients will receive four test kits and three N95 masks.
“With the steady uptick in COVID cases in the past five weeks, this community distribution of test kits and masks is timely,” said spokeswoman Elena Cabatu. “We hope members of our community come out to equip themselves in this phase of the pandemic.”
HMC received the tests after it was awarded a grant from the HRSA COVID-19 Testing Supply Program.
The home kits are rapid COVID-19 nasal swab tests called Quickvue, which usually run at about $24 for a pack of two tests.
HMC is asking people to park near the civic and stand in line for the tests to alleviate any traffic.