A Viral Screening Unit is now Open

With the cooperative efforts of Cody Regional Health and Billings Clinic a Viral Screening Unit has been created to help screen more patients. CRH has also developed a COVID-19 Call Center staffed with two Registered Nurses between 7am-7pm, seven days a week and can be called at 307-578-2000. If someone in the public is feeling ill and would like responses to questions or concerns they can reach out to our call center. On the first day in operation the COVID-19 Call Center answered approximately 100 calls. Primary Care providers are being sent a list of their patients so they can follow up with them. We encourage everyone to first call the COVID-19 Call Center before coming to the Viral Screening Unit.

The Viral Screening Unit will help screen more patients in a streamlined way. With the help of Billings Clinic Providers, this will be staffed from 8:00am till 3:30pm, seven days a week. If symptoms dictate, patients will first receive a 16 viral screening panel, to rule out common viral infections such as RSV and Influenza A and B. If deemed appropriate by the provider a COVID- 19 screening may be sent for testing. Results of the viral panel, excluding COVID19 will be available within 24 hours. Patients may be notified of the results of a COVID-19 test by the CRH Infection Prevention Specialist, within the time frame set by the Wyoming Department Health.

CRH again advises everyone to practice the four ways to minimize the spread of COVID-19:

1. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, isolate at home and contact the Emergency Department Screening line at 307-578-2000 or connect with your health care provider.
2. Practice appropriate self-distancing, staying home when possible and maintaining a six- foot separation from others when in a group.
3. Cover your cough and sneeze at all times.
4. Practice appropriate hand washing for 20 seconds or more, at all times.

All of these actions are for the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff and a precautionary step. For further information about COVID-19, please call 307.527.1870 or visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html