Medical providers: We cannot afford to let our guard down in Lincoln County
To the editor:
As the medical providers in this community, we want to thank the people of Lincoln County for their diligent efforts in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
This is a worldwide pandemic unlike any we have seen in recent history. Our response to it as a community has helped to keep the most vulnerable among us protected. We recognize the sacrifices you have made in order to shelter in place, and we sincerely appreciate your efforts.
Estimates from the University of Washington predict that the peak of COVID-19 cases will occur in our state within the next week. Over the next few weeks and months, things will slowly return to normal, and shelter in place orders will be lifted. We want to emphasize that while these predictions are hopeful, there is a high likelihood that Libby will not follow the pattern of the rest of the state.
Because we are a spread out and geographically isolated community, our peak may still be weeks down the road, or we may see smaller but multiple surges over the next few months.
We do not yet have community spread in Lincoln County, but our close neighbor, Flathead County, is now reporting community spread. We know there are many who travel back and forth between Kalispell and their home in Lincoln County for essential services, including medical appointments. It’s important for these reasons that we remain vigilant in our efforts, continue practicing social distancing, and shelter in place for as long as the state recommends.
Even after these restrictions are lifted, we highly encourage you to stay home when you’re ill; continue to practice frequent handwashing; cover coughs and sneezes; consider wearing a mask when out in the community; and talk with your providers if you’re having symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, or fevers. Public health officials will continue testing for patients with symptoms, as well as testing asymptomatic individuals to assess the presence of COVID-19 in the community and hopefully head-off any future outbreaks.
This has been a trying time for everyone, but our community has done a fantastic job of pulling together and supporting each other through this. We appreciate your efforts, and look forward to continuing to keep our community safe and healthy together.
Written jointly by the medical providers of the Northwest Community Health Center, Cabinet Peaks Family Medicine, Cabinet Peaks OB/Gyn, Cabinet Peaks Surgery, Cabinet Peaks Clinic at Bull River, The Libby Clinic, The CARD clinic and Cabinet Peaks Medical Center