Local health officials, hospital prepare for coronavirus

Flathead County health officials says they are working closely to prepare and prove awareness regarding the coronavirus. There have been no reported cases of the virus in Montana.

Local health entities including Kalispell Regional Healthcare, North Valley Hospital and the Flathead City-County Health Department issued a notice on March 3 saying that they are closely monitory the coronavirus outbreak.

“We are responding to this potential public health crisis by implementing our collaborative valley-wide emergency response and disaster readiness plans,” said Michelle Kimball, Emergency Preparedness Program Manager for Kalispell Regional Healthcare. “As community partners, we are consistently evaluating new information and coordinating our readiness, communications, and response planning.”

The virus was first detected in China and has been found in almost 70 locations around the world including the United States. As of March 3, there were a total of 80 cases of the virus reported in 13 states in the U.S. and a total of nine deaths resulting from the virus in the Seattle area.

The virus spreads between people in close contact through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The Flathead City-County Health Department has set up a website specifically for the coronavirus at https://flatheadhealth.org/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/ in addition to an automated public information line at (406) 751-8188.

Public Health Officer Hillary Hanson, with the Flathead City-County Health Department, explains that the best action the public can take at this point is to be diligent in hand washing and stay home if sick.

“This is a health concern and we are proactively working with our community partners to prepare. As community members everyone can do their part by taking steps to protect their health,” Hanson said. Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and can be mild to severe.

Hanson said that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including the coronavirus.

The CDC recommends that facemasks be used by people who show symptoms of the virus to help prevent the spread of the disease to others and by health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings.

To understand current criteria for testing and other risk concerns, visit the CDC information on evaluations at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-criteria.html

The state health department has clarified that testing at the state level should be available in Montana this week.

If you have a health concern but are not in these groups, please call your primary care provider with questions. To prevent spread of the virus, make sure you have a flu shot, be diligent about hand washing, and stay home and away from public spaces if you are sick.

The public is encouraged to visit the Flathead City-County Health Department website for up to date information.

Updates will also be posted on Kalispell Regional Healthcare and North Valley Hospital websites and social media pages.