Hawaii County is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing this weekend at various west side locations on the Big Island.

Hawaii County Civil Defense officials said this morning that there are now 15 new active cases on Hawaii island, 12 of which are hospitalized.

“Hawaii island has seen a large increase of positive cases in recent weeks,” said the Civil Defense alert. “Most of these recent cases are not travel related which means the virus is being transmitted within the community.

According to officials, data from the state Health Department “clearly shows that the majority of those now being affected on Hawaii island are between the ages of 1 and 40 years and are West Hawaii based. Due to this data, increased testing, especially in the Kona area is being scheduled.”

The drive-thru testing events are scheduled for:

>> 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Keauhou Shopping Center

>> 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, West Hawaii Civic Center, Kona, and Civic Auditorium, Hilo

>> 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Keauhou Shopping Center

Officials said the purpose of testing is to identify positive cases as early as possible in order to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

The testing is free at all county test sites, and no insurance is necessary, but those interested should bring their medical card if they have one. There is no co-pay for individuals being tested.

Also, individuals do not need to be symptomatic to be tested.

For more information, contact Hawaii County Civil Defense at 935-0031.