Kauai County Mayor David Kawakami announced free COVID-19 surge testing to the public starting Sunday.

Kauai County is partnering with the Hawaii Department of Health to launch the surge testing program at rotating sites every Sunday between Vidinha Stadium at 4374 Hoolako St. in Lihue; Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex at 4536 Olohena Road in Kapaa and Hanapepe Stadium at 4451 Puolo Road through the end of the year.

“Free testing is open to everyone regardless of health insurance or symptoms,” Kawakami said.

Residents who work in the hospitality industry are urged to participate in the program.

“We want to encourage our hospitality industry staff who work closely with visitors to get tested, to help protect their family and friends and our entire community. Tests are free to everyone, including those who are uninsured,” he added.

The surge testing program is separate from the voluntary post-travel testing program.

Surge testing will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:

>> Nov. 8: Lihue – Vidinha Stadium

>> Nov. 15: Kapaa – Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex

>> Nov. 22: Hanapepe Stadium

>> Nov. 29: Līhue – Vidinha Stadium

>> Dec. 6: Kapaa – Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex

>> Dec. 13: Hanapepe Stadium

>> Dec. 20: Lihue – Vidinha Stadium

>> Dec. 27: Kapaa – Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex

Participants are encouraged to pre-register at doineedacovid19test.com. Limited on-site registration will be available for those who are unable to register online.

The surge testing program is not part of the state’s pre-arrival testing program and cannot be used for quarantine exemptions.

The pre-arrival testing program which started Oct. 15 allows U.S. visitors to bypass the 14-day quarantine if they provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken from a trusted state testing partner within 72 hours of their departure.

Starting Friday, visitors from Japan will also be allowed to avoid quarantine as long as they provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.