50 tests given at first drive-up C19 site in PC

The Phillips County Hospital and Family Health Clinic and the Phillips County Health Department teamed up last Thursday in parking lot of the Milk River Pavilion to administer COVID-19 drive-up tests to anyone who wanted one.

All told, a total of 50 tests where given on the day. People sat in their cars and moved up following each test given in front of them. Once test takers were to the top of the line, paperwork was filled out ahead of a swab being given to rub for 10-second inside each nostril.

"Results will take a week because they are the lowest priority testing as everyone had to be asymptomatic to be tested," Phillips County Health Nurse Jenny Tollefson told the PCN.

Nurse Tollefson added that more drive-up tests might be given in the next two to four weeks if needed.

As of Monday, July 13, there have been a total of 118,695 tests given for the COVID-19 virus with a total of 1,843 confirmed cases resulting in 32 deaths. Of the 1,843 confirmed cases, 936 are active and the other 875 people with COVID-19 have recovered.

There are still no confirmed cases in Phillips County but in the state, a total of 590 confirmed cases have been reported for the week of July 5 through July 12 - an average of 84.3 cases per day for the time span - and includes 13 active cases in Hill County; One active case in Valley County, and one active case in Garfield County (like Phillips County, Blaine and Choteau Counties have not had any positives cases.)