Update to How COVID-19 will affect Powder River County.
By PR County Health Officer Sean Hill & PR County Health Nurse Darlynn Williams
Currently there are no confirmed cases in or around Powder River County.
As of the publication of this article, Governor Bullock has ordered the temporarily closing of restaurants, bars, taverns, dance halls, casinos and other areas where larger groups of people might congregate. Take-out food or deliveries are still available, if the establishment chooses to do so.
These steps are being done to slow down the progression and allow health systems to plan for the impacts this illness may bring to our communities. One of the largest issues this illness causes is the overloading of our health care systems.
At Powder River Health we have taken the following steps to limit possible exposures and comply with State and Federal guidelines.
• All visitation at Powder River Manor is suspended until further notice. If needed, please call 406-436-2646 to be screened and organize a visit.
o All staff are screened on a daily basis for signs and symptoms of illness.
o Increased cleaning and sanitizing during the day.
• Powder River Physical and Occupational therapies will screen via phone while making an appointment to be seen. If possible, clients will be re-scheduled at a later time. Clients exhibiting signs or symptoms may be referred to Family Medical Clinic or Home Health Assessments for additional screening, testing or care.
• Powder River Family Medical Clinic asks that prior to coming to the clinic, please call and complete a screening. Please call 406-436-2651 and staff will provide additional guidance. If it is an emergency, dial 911.
Prevention is the key to decreasing the illness and allowing our health care system time to plan and prevent greater outbreaks. The following is the best way to prevent the illness.
• Social Distancing: Staying away from large groups of people is the best way to slow down the spread. This is the reason schools are closed, bars are closed etc.
• Stay Home if you are sick, this will prevent the spread. (Not the time to be neighborly)
• Wash Hands often, increase the frequency of sanitizing objects such as door knobs, counter tops, hand rails. 5 Tablespoons bleach per gallon of water. Read the instructions of any ready to use Sanitizer/Disinfectant.
• Cover your cough, prevents others from catching what your pitching.
• Do not flush wipes or other non-flushable items down the toilet, they are extremely difficult for sewer systems/ Septic Systems.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, and need medical advice please call 406-436-2651.
• Fever
• New cough, wet or dry
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
If you have had contact with someone whom has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have traveled in areas with known positive cases including internationally and or cruise ships within the last 14 days, you may be at higher risk and should be screened. Please call public health at 406-436-2297 for information. Please keep in mind that for most cases, symptoms will be resolved with over the counter medications and rest. With questions or concerns, please call, and if in case of an emergency call 911.
Testing for confirmation will be completed only after initial screening, referral from Medical Provider, and approval from Montana Department of Health and Human Services. Only a limited number of testing supplies are available.
As this evolves, further measures may need to be taken and we will work to get information out as soon as possible. Please look at any of the Facebook pages for Powder River Manor, Powder River Therapy and the Broadus Area Upcycle.
Powder River Health wishes to express our appreciation to the community in helping to limit possible exposures. If community members are practicing positive social distancing and are in need of meals, we will deliver a daily meal regardless of ability to pay. Please call 406-436-2646 to sign up. Deliveries are sent out approximately 11:30 am so please call well in advance.
For additional information or with questions please contact
Darlynn Williams, Powder River Public Health 436-2297, [email protected] or Sean Hill at 406-436-2646. Office, [email protected].
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