GREAT FALLS — Alluvion Health in Great Falls announced in a news release on Thursday evening that it has entered into an agreement with Cascade County to open a viral and respiratory clinic at 115 4th Street South on Friday, March 20 at 7 am.
The announcement is due to growing concerns about the possible spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The building currently houses the Cascade City-County Health Department and formerly housed Alluvion Health. This clinic is specifically designated for people exhibiting respiratory or flu like symptoms so they can be triaged and tested appropriately. Respiratory or flu like symptoms include fever, shortness of breath, cough, runny nose, and sore throat.
People exhibiting respiratory symptoms are asked to take the following steps:
1. If ill, stay home unless seeking medical care.
2. Call 454-6973 to be pre-screened (triaged)
3. Go to clinic, if directed
- What: Viral & Respiratory Clinic (for patients who have flu like symptoms)
- Where: 115 4th Street South – North side – separate entrance
- When: Monday- Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday- Sunday 8am- 3pm
- Who: Open to the public, please call first
4. Patients must enter the marked door on the North side of the building as the clinic will not be accessible by entering the main health department. Park vehicles in the main parking lot and look for signage upon arrival.5. Masks will be provided, put one on upon entering the clinic.
6. Patients will follow staff instructions and be tested as deemed medically appropriate.
This temporary clinic allows Alluvion Health to maintain regular operations at their main location of 601 1st Avenue North, which includes pediatric care, behavioral health, well visits, and general walk-in care.
Alluvion Health’s main location will also be open this weekend, March 21st and 22nd from 8am-3pm for walk-in care. In support of CDC guidelines, Alluvion’s Dental Clinic will move to full time walk-in care Monday- Friday, 7am-6pm.
As of Thursday morning (March 19) there are 11 confirmed COVID-19 patients in the state of Montana. Here is the publicly-released information about them:
- Missoula County (4): man in his 50s, woman in her 30s; man in his 20s; man in his 50s
- Gallatin County (3): man in his 40s; man in his 20s; man in his 60s
- Yellowstone County (2): woman in her 50s; woman in her 20s
- Butte-Silver Bow County: man in his 50s
- Broadwater County: man in his 50s
- There is also a Montana woman diagnosed with COVID-19 who is a part-time Lake County resident; she is currently in Maryland with no documented exposures or close contacts in Montana, and was not tested in Montana. She was tested and diagnosed in Maryland, where she currently is residing.
CONTINUING COVERAGE:
- Coronavirus: Frequently Asked Questions in Great Falls
- Civic leaders explain "state of emergency" in Great Falls
- Some grocery stores begin offering periodic "seniors only" shopping
- Why COVID-19 is causing more concern than the flu
- Free COVID-19 testing and unemployment benefits for Montanans
- Bullock directs two-week closure of public K-12 schools in Montana
- How the coronavirus closure will affect Great Falls Public Schools
- CDC: Cancel or postpone all events with more than 50 people for next 8 weeks
