City, school, health officials preparing for coronavirus

While no cases of the coronavirus have been detected in Montana, Flathead County health, Whitefish school and city officials say they are working closely to prepare and provide awareness regarding the coronavirus.

The Whitefish School District is staying proactive by aiming to keep students healthy. Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt on Friday sent out a letter to parents of students concerning the virus.

In the letter, Davis Schmidt advises students and parents to follow best practices for staying healthy during flu season, including washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching parts of the face, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying away from work and school if sick.

Davis Schmidt also noted school sponsored activities and travel will continue as planned, and cancellations will only come if directed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and/or the Flathead City-County Health Department.

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 9, there were a total of 423 cases of the virus reported in 35 states in the U.S. and a total of 19 deaths resulting from the virus nationwide. A total of 136 cases have been reported in Washington state.

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

Whitefish Middle School nurse Deanne Sramek said she’s been getting plenty of questions from students, parents and staff.

While this flu season has not been out of the ordinary in the Flathead Valley, Sramek said fear of the coronavirus for Whitefish residents appears to be heightened due to the amount of coverage the virus is getting.

“I think because of the hype on the news, it does seem to be more stressful,” she said. “But I think it goes back to how closely the news is tracking it. I think most people feel waves of panic, and then at times they think it’s another virus. For most people, it’s not going to affect them that severely.”

However, she does feel that coronavirus cases locally are not matter of if, but when.

“I think it’s just a matter of time until it’s here. It very well could be here, and for most people it’s similar to cold and flu symptoms. I think as they test more people, they’re identifying more people. I just have a hunch it’s in the state and most likely in the community,” she said.

Along with visitors coming into town to ski, Sramek also noted there’s concern about spring break plans. Whitefish’s spring break is March 22 to 26.

“So much of what we do will be dictated by the health department. We’ll just be waiting to hear from them. We’ve begun cleaning things more frequently. I think we’re more diligent with our cleaning and encouraging staff and students to stay home if they’re sick, cover coughs and sneezes,” Sramek said. “Were just riding this out.”

Whitefish City Manager Dana Smith said she’s also been in talks with other city leaders, such as Police Chief Bill Dial and Fire Chief Joe Page, about getting information out to concerned residents. Her message is not to panic.

“Obviously right now, as of Friday, there were no identified cases in Montana so we want to remind people the risk is still low for the community. Everyone’s health and wellbeing is important to us, so we’re really here as a source of information,” she said. “I think people should plan, but, as many are stating, it’s not a time to panic.”

Smith is directing those with questions to the Flathead City-County Health Department’s website and said she will share more information in her manager’s report during the next City Council meeting on March 16.

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.”

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.

For more information, visit https://flatheadhealth.org/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/ or call (406) 751-8188.

For school-specific related inquiries, call (406) 862-8640.