About 75 Tested for COVID-19 in Maui Drive Through Site

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-Y7CtmOpR8

*Video Courtesy County of Maui. (3.23.20)

About 75 people were tested Monday for COVID-19 on the first day of testing at the drive-through site at the War Memorial Gym parking lot on Maui, according to the Maui District Health Office.

Those who were tested were screened over the phone for eligibility and given an appointment. County officials say screening and testing will continue based on the number of test kits available.

People with respiratory flu-like symptoms, who want to be tested must call to make an appointment. The testing site will not accept anyone who has not made an appointment.

Callers will be screened to see if they are eligible for testing and will be given further instructions.

To make an appointment, call (808) 270-7228. Calls will be answered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If the phone line is busy or there’s no answer, do not leave a voicemail. Call alternate phone numbers:

• (808) 500-8118
• (808) 500-8117
• (808) 500-8120

The mission of the drive-through testing is to minimize stress on resources and personnel at Maui Memorial. People who need urgent medical attention should call their primary care provider or go to Maui Memorial (call ahead, if possible), which may screen and test patients, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health.

The test for coronavirus involves taking a swab from the patient’s throat or nose. Samples will be sent to the Mainland, with results available in about three days. People who’re tested will receive instructions on what to do while waiting for test results.

The testing is a joint effort by the Maui District Health Office; Kaiser Clinics; County of Maui; and Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Health Systems.

For more information on COVID-19, call 2-1-1 or visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/.

“Most people recover from COVID-19 at home without medical care; however, testing does provide information to health officials on preventing further spread of the disease in the community,” according to information contained in a County of Maui press release.

People who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms are asked to stay at home and self-quarantine in order to prevent the spread of disease. Self-monitoring and social distancing are encouraged.

“We really want to thank the Maui District Health Office, Kaiser Clinics and Maui Health Systems,” said  Mayor Michael Victorino. “They have done an incredible job coordinating and executing this testing site for our community. I also want to thank the public for their assistance and remaining calm through these difficult times.”