Now with more test kits here and the pilot program completed, Guam is expanding COVID-19 testing capacity to any anyone displaying symptoms. This week individuals can visit designated testing sites for drive-thru and walk-in testing:

•Tuesday, April 28, 3 to 6 p.m. at the Astumbo Gym in Dededo. Testing is limited to residents of Dededo and Yigo.

•Wednesday, April 29, 3 to 6 p.m. at the Astumbo Gym in Dededo. Testing is open to any resident islandwide.

•Thursday, April 30, 3 to 6 p.m. at the Mangilao Senior Center, next to Santa Teresita Catholic Church in Mangilao. Testing is open to central residents of Agana Heights, Asan, Maina, Barrigada, Chalan Pago, Ordot, Hagatna, Mangilao, Mongmong-Toto-Maite, Sinajana, Tamuning, and Tumon.

•Friday, May 1, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Agat Senior Center, near Mount Carmel Church.

The testing is free for all residents. Those who participate are asked to bring their ID.

Department of Public Health and Social Services Director Linda DeNorcey gave some good news about the island's ability to perform the expanded testing. 

"Well I am happy to report that today we got the arrival of 400 gene experts, so we are going to launch another machine in the department and we also have 696 more test avid that have just arrived today, in fact, we are sharing some with GMH and right now our AVI 7500 we have 317 so all together we have about 1,413 however we are expecting another shipment from the world health organization that is expected any time as I speak, hopefully this week," she said. 

This makes for a testing capacity of 6,100 altogether.

Those with suspected COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, a cough, shortness of breath a sore throat, diarrhea loss of taste and smell are encouraged to get tested.

Also, individuals living in multigenerational households are also considered most vulnerable and encouraged to undergo testing.

DeNorcey said as we journey through the pockets of infections in the remote areas the next step will be to look at front line workers, first responders and health care personnel.

"We are journeying through and we are being very cautious and that’s why we are doing these pocket areas to identify high-risk groups who are unable to come to the clinics and that is the reason why we want to make certain we are reaching as many people as we can in different locations," she said. 

DeNorcey emphasizes that with expanding testing abilities this includes public and private clinics. People can call their healthcare providers to get tested and for those without health insurance can call public health centers or the public health medical triage hotline phone numbers 480-7859, 480-6760/3, 480-7883, and ADA number 687-6170.