Letter: Help preserve county's Covid test supplies

In a previous message I reviewed how our free, self-referred, drive up antigen testing has been heavily used during the current Covid-19 surge. This has resulted in our test supply dropping to a level that may cause us to discontinue the service. Like most organizations in Montana, we continue to struggle with supply shortages and are adapting strategies to continue to serve our communities.

I am asking for your help in preserving these critical supplies. Please follow current guidelines closely when coming for tests. Testing recommendations can be found at our Sanders County Public Health Department website co.sanders.mt.us/departments/public-health and are relevant particularly for those seeking testing after exposure. Note that you should quarantine, and if you have no symptoms wait until the 5th day after exposure to be tested.

In addition, I ask that if you have had a test (positive or negative result) in the previous 2 weeks, and you need another test for any reason, please contact the public health department (406-827-6931) and they will arrange additional testing for you. Please do not use our self-referred testing repeatedly during a single episode of illness. These practices will help us continue the service as long as possible.

Also, if you have not yet done so, you may obtain four tests kits per household from the federal government through the Postal Service (special.usps.com/testkits). I encourage every household to order.

Dr. Gregory S. Hanson is Clark Fork Valley Hospital president and CEO