As Omicron surge continues, county will offer free tests

by Hungry Horse News
| January 27, 2022 1:55 PM

The Flathead City-County Health Department will hand out free Covid-19 tests to community members free of charge on Feb. 1 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Expo Building.

One test per household, please.

Businesses can also get tests. They can submit a form at: https://hipaa.jotform.com/220194780521048 .

Once a form is submitted, businesses will be asked to send someone to pick up its requested supply at the Fairgrounds during the Feb. 1 event. Please note that allocations will depend on the number of employees and the current test kit supply. Businesses will be allowed a maximum of one test kit per employee.

“Early testing is an effective method to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Joe Russell, Health Officer of the Flathead City-County Health Department. “These test kits are a great resource for the community, and we encourage anyone who is interested to swing by the event and pick up a test for themself and their families.”

Feb. 1 is also the last mass vaccine clinic date occurring at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Moving forward, COVID-19 vaccine will be available by appointment or walk-in on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Health Department Immunization Clinic.

Vaccines are also available at local pharmacies.

The Omicron surge continues across the valley and the state.

As of Thursday, the state reported more than 18,000 active cases and 351 hospitalizations.

The number of Flathead County active cases, at least officially, was at 1,240 on Thursday. But many folks who get sick don’t necessarily report the illness or get tested.

There have been 2,990 deaths statewide from the disease. Flathead County has reported 24109 cases total and 228 deaths.

On Jan. 26, there were 39 hospitalized at Logan Health. Of those 22 were unvaccinated and 17 were vaccinated. Eight were in the Intensive Care Unit, two of those were vaccinated and four unvaccinated were on ventilators.

All told, about 44% of Flathead County residents are vaccinated and 54% are vaccinated statewide.