State distributes 1 million free COVID tests at home on Oahu

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state has launched a new program to distribute 1 million free COVID tests at home to households in Oahu in eligible zip codes.

The idea: give people the tools to test more often to stop the virus from spreading.

The tests were made available to the state health department as part of a federal pilot program.

To order a test kit, go to COVIDTestHonolulu.org. They are available until October 18th while stocks last.

Residents of the following postcodes are eligible:

96701, 96706, 96707, 96712, 96717, 96730, 96731, 96734, 96744, 96762, 96782, 96786, 96789, 96791, 96792, 96795, 96797, 96813, 96814, 96815, 96816, 96817, 96818, 96819, 96821, 96819, 96818 96822, 96825, 96826, 96844, 96850, 96853, 96854, 96857, 96858, 96859, 96860, 96861, 96863.

Officials said the program will provide 125,000 Oahu residents in eligible zip codes with eight rapid antigen tests to test twice a week for four weeks.

Ideal candidates are those who are not vaccinated or are at high risk of exposure to COVID.

Participants in the program will receive rapid antigen tests that require a quick swab in each nostril. Results are ready in about 10 minutes.

Those who test positive on self-administered tests should follow suit Home Isolation Guidelines and contact your doctor for follow-up exams.

“Free, quick, self-administered tests will provide community members with another way to contain the spread of COVID-19,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char. “This program offers the participating communities another instrument to protect themselves and their families.”

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