COVID-19 Guidelines

Our hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors. We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking the necessary steps to ensure we are fully prepared to care for patients, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with our local and state health departments.

Below are a number of resources to help educate you and your family on COVID-19. For more information on the virus, please visit the Missoula City-County Health Department’s page or for health related questions Missoula County residents may call (406) 258-INFO (4636).

Quick Links

Hospital & Clinic Patients

Patients experiencing non-life threatening respiratory or flu-like symptoms can check-in online at Community FirstCare for symptom evaluation and COVID-19 testing (if prescribed). Anyone experiencing a life threatening condition should call 911 or visit the emergency room.

Masking

Masks are no longer required. If transmission rates of COVID, Influenza, or other respiratory illness reach high rates again in the future, the mask mandate may be reinstated.

How do I get tested for COVID-19?

Community FirstCare is offering tests for symptomatic patients. Providers follow all appropriate CDC, state and local guidelines. Patients should follow instructions from providers, as testing does not change the patient’s course of treatment. Other testing facilities can be found on the county website.

What do I do if I’ve been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19?

The person who has developed symptoms should seek a COVID-19 test. If you develop symptoms, you should self-isolate and obtain a COVID-19 test.

I believe I have symptoms of COVID-19. What do I do next?

I’m experiencing mild symptoms right now, but I’m worried.

You should isolate at home and obtain a COVID-19 test, don't delay testing. Getting tested as soon as possible after your symptoms start, treatment may be available. Contact your healthcare provider right away if your result is positive. Treatment must be started early to work.

Should I get tested?

Yes, don't delay testing. Getting tested as soon as possible after your symptoms start, treatment may be available. Contact your healthcare provider right away if your result is positive. Treatment must be started early to work. COVID-19 tests are available at Community FirstCare for evaluation and testing or the health department.

Worsening symptoms – I need to see my provider.

Be alert to any changing symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if your symptoms are getting worse, do not delay. If you feel you need to see a healthcare provider, visit Community FirstCare for evaluation and testing. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 and notify the dispatch agent that your emergency is related to possible COVID-19 symptoms or visit our emergency room.

Emergent symptoms – I am having difficulty breathing.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 and notify the dispatch agent that your emergency is related to possible COVID-19 symptoms or visit the nearest emergency room.

Where to go?

In order to minimize the risk of exposing others, we are directing patients who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19, or have respiratory or flu-like symptoms, to check-in online or walk-in to any of our Missoula area Community FirstCare clinics for symptom evaluation and testing. Online check-in at CommunityFirstCare.com

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 and notify the dispatch agent that your emergency is related to possible COVID-19 symptoms or visit our emergency room.