Hawaii able to test 250 samples weekly for coronavirus

Hawaii officials said Tuesday y are capable of testing 250 samples for new coronavirus each week.

state Department of Health laboratory in Pearl City has specialized equipment and rooms technicians may use to analyze dangerous pathogens. It could test 500 a week in an emergency.

So far one in Hawaii has tested positive for COVID-19, which has infected more than 92,000 people worldwide and killed over 3,100.

Gov. David Ige said state was checking wher private laboratories in Hawaii would be interested in testing for virus mselves. He said state would want to certify se labs for job if y were. More laboratories conducting testing would help state respond if outbreak spres to islands.

At state Legislature, senators unanimously passed legislation approving $10.5 million in emergency funding to respond to virus. money will cover laboratory testing, protective equipment, specimen collection kits and or items. bill w moves to House for consideration.