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NEWS - "Bear River Clinic now offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing"

TREMONTON – By Cari Doutre – March 31, 2020

Several Intermountain Healthcare locations throughout Utah are now offering COVID-19 (coronavirus) testing to the public, including one location in Tremonton.

Bear River Clinic, located at Bear River Valley Hospital in Tremonton, is one of 19 Intermountain Healthcare facilities in Utah that can test those showing symptoms of COVID-19 in a drive-thru format.

Before any testing can be performed, patients are asked to use the online symptom checker on Intermountain Healthcare’s website https://intermountainhealthcare.org/

or call the COVID-19 information first before coming to the drive-thru testing center.

These systems will allow those to check their symptoms to determine if a COVID-19 test is needed.

“Before visiting one of our testing locations, please call the COVID-19 hotline at 844-442-5224. Calling ahead allows a medical professional to assess your symptoms over the phone and determine if you should be tested for COVID-19,” Intermountain Healthcare stated on their website.

The process of testing for the COVID-19 virus isn’t comfortable and can even be painful, according to Intermountain Healthcare. A sample is taken by swabbing deep inside the nose or throat. Story continues below...

Testing for COVID-19 at Bear River Clinic on March 31, 2020

From there the sample is tested at an offsite location. Once tested, results take 24 to 72 hours to process. The Bear River Health Department is responsible for keeping records of tests performed and following up on those that test positive for COVID-19.

As of March 31, 2020, the Bear River Health Department has 14 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Seven of those confirmed cases are in Box Elder County and seven are in Cache County.

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Box Elder County was announced on March 17, 2020 by the health department.

“With the passing of the Families First Coronavirus Act, everyone is covered for the COVID-19 testing and related exam cost, regardless of insurance status. Any co-pays or in-network requirements are also waived,” said Brad Gillman, Media Relations Manager for Bear River Valley Hospital.

Bear River Clinic first started drive-thru COVID-19 testing on March 17, 2020. Testing is located outside next to Bear River Valley Hospital’s emergency room entrance on the west side of the building. Story continues below...

Signs direct those looking for COVID-19 testing at Bear River Clinic

Bear River Valley Hospital is located at 935. N. 1000 W., Tremonton.

COVID-19 testing will be available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Intermountain Healthcare is advising those that are not showing symptoms of COVID-19 to refrain from visiting testing sites. Testing sites are for those with mild to moderate symptoms.

Intermountain Healthcare added the following information on COVID-19 on their website:

Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, with severity ranging from mild to severe illness. In other coronaviruses, common signs of infection include runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Currently, if you haven't traveled to an infected region where there is community spread or been in close contact with someone known to have the virus, your risk is very low.

Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may appear two to 14 days after exposure.

The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. Some people have no symptoms. People who are older or have existing chronic medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, may be at higher risk of serious illness.

This is similar to what is seen with other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza.

“Because there is currently no treatment for COVID-19 (other than helping alleviate symptoms), a positive test – especially for normally healthy individuals – will likely result in a requirement to stay home and self-isolate for a period of two weeks,” Intermountain Healthcare added.
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