Two regional hospitals have set up new networks for virus testing.
Cody Regional Health and Billings Clinic have joined forces to create a new Viral Screening Unit on the west end of the Cody Regional campus. This unit – staffed by Cody Regional and Billings Clinic providers from 8:00 am until 3:30 pm, seven days a week – will streamline the process of testing for several illnesses. 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, then patients will be testes for COVID-19 with viral panel results available in 24 hours.
Cody Regional Health has also been perfecting their COVID-19 Call Center. Two registered nurses are staffing the line from 7 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week. This is for anyone suspicious of their symptoms. The data collected thus far indicate that the first symptom of COVID-19 is a high, persistent fever, accompanied by a dry cough and difficulty breathing. Several first-hand accounts also report the first “unofficial” symptom is a sudden loss of the sense of smell.
If any of these symptoms manifest in you, call the Call Center at 578-2000. Then make your way to the Viral Screening Unit.
Simple as that!
