Health officials identify possible COVID-19 cluster

Health officials are investigating a possible cluster of COVID-19 cases in the Libby area.

Authorities announced the probe during a regularly scheduled July 8 meeting of the Lincoln County Health Board. The investigation was launched after testing revealed two new cases of COVID-19 in the county, said Public Health Manager Jennifer McCully.

That brings the number of active cases in the county to four.

A press release issued as McCully briefed board members described the patients as men, one in his 30s and the other in his 40s. No other details about the patients or the circumstances surrounding the contraction of the virus were immediately available.

Officials planned to make more information about the potential cluster public as it became available, McCully told the board.

“We are chasing the disease,” McCully said.

Officials recommended that residents remain vigilant regarding the coronavirus. Authorities urged those vulnerable to COVID-19, which includes patients with a preexisting condition, to follow stay-at-home guidance.

Everyone else ought to social distance from people not in their household and wear a face mask when in situations where social distancing is difficult or impossible, officials said. Residents should continue washing their hands, using hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable. Anyone feeling sick should stay home.

Authorities are performing contact tracing in regards to the latest cases. All direct contacts to the two patients should have received a phone call from health department staff, according to the press release.

The additional confirmed cases brought the total number to 11 in Lincoln County. Six people have recovered, Lincoln County saw the state’s first COVID-19 related fatality in March.

An individual must test negative for the disease twice in a 24-hour period before being considered recovered.

News of the possible cluster came as health department officials turned the bulk of responsibility for testing the community onto the Center for Asbestos Related Disease clinic. Health officials began planning the transition several weeks ago. A federal grant is expected to underwrite the plan.

The move is expected to free up county staff for other duties and let officials hire an individual tasked with overseeing testing efforts and data.

The CARD clinic will offer testing on Mondays and Thursdays, beginning at 10 a.m., throughout July, said Jennifer McCully, public health manager for Lincoln County. She told county commissioners July 8 that officials could increase availability if the situation on the ground changed.

Along with the CARD clinic, the Northwest Community Health Center, Cabinet Peaks Medical Center and health department also offer testing, depending on the circumstances.

Staff members at the CHC are conducting what’s described as “asymptomatic active surveillance” tests of the community as well as testing patients headed in for surgical operations and anyone showing symptoms related to COVID-19. At Cabinet Peaks, officials are checking pre-op patients as well as patients showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Health department personnel will continue testing high-risk residents with “specific symptoms,” close contacts of known COVID-19 patients and anyone who tests positive for the virus.

Residents with questions about testing through the CARD clinic are encouraged to call 406-293-9274. Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 can contact the county’s hotline at 406-293-6295 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.