KRH opens screening facilities for people who think they have coronavirus

Kalispell Regional Healthcare has set up two sites where people can be examined if they think they have moderate symptoms of coronavirus, the hospital announced Wednesday.

People with severe symptoms should still seek emergency care.

The sites are at Family Health Care 1287 Burns Way in Kalispell and at Flathead Valley Orthopedics 710 13th St. E in Whitefish.

“These respiratory Screening Facilities will protect the population, patients, staff and visitors from exposure while allowing for the continuity of operations and patient care at hospitals and clinics,” says KRH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Doug Nelson. “Most patients infected with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms such as fever, cough, and muscle aches and are advised to stay at home and rest, drink plenty of fluids, self-isolate, and take over-the-counter medicines to treat their symptoms. Patients with moderate symptoms who feel they need medical attention should visit one of the screening sites. Patients who develop severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, dehydration, or extreme weakness are encouraged to seek emergency care.”

KRH also has a call 24-hour call center established at (406) 890-7272.

Community members are reminded that the best way to prevent the spread of illness is through preventive measures including:

• Washing hands thoroughly and often.

• Covering your cough.

• Avoiding touching your face.

• Staying home if you’re sick.

• Practicing social distancing

• Avoiding close contact with people who are ill.

KRH Hospital Incident Command will continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation. Log on to krh.org/covid-19 for up-to-date information.