More than 400 tested in drive-thru coronavirus testing site in Kakaako
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Drivers waited in a long line to Kakaao Waterfront Park to be screened and tested for the coronavirus.
ROB SHIKINA / RSHIKINA@STARADVERTISER.COM
The free testing program is geared toward Oahu residents whose jobs put them at risk of contracting coronavirus.
More than 400 people received a free coronavirus test today at a drive through testing program at Kakaako Waterfront Park.
Dr. Scott Miscovich, who is leading the efforts, said about 20 percent, or 405 people, out of the 2,225 individuals who were screened received a test between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The free testing program was geared toward Oahu residents whose jobs put them at risk of contracting coronavirus and most importantly, who already had symptoms.
Miscovich said about 300 vehicles were in line at one point this morning with cars lining up from Kakaako Makai Gateway Park down Ilalo Street toward Diamond Head, then along Ala Moana Boulevard to South Street.
The wait time to be screened was an estimated 90 minutes.
People who actually were swabbed are required to self-quarantine for three to five days, or whenever their test results return.
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“It’s outstanding right now,” Miscovich said. “The people of Hawaii have been kind and understanding and are all pulling together.”
The workers running the program, including including people covered in white protective gear at the swabbing site, are from Miscovich’s organization, Premier Medical Group Hawaii.
Miscovich said he has donated the program costs, which are running in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, because of his concern for Hawaii.
“I believe in Hawaii,” he said. “I believe if we come together we’re going to beat this.”
