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Missoula health department seeking public's cooperation in contact tracing

Posted at 2:52 PM, Oct 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-07 18:17:11-04

MISSOULA — The Missoula City-County Health Department is asking for the public's cooperation in contact tracing.

Because of the significant spike in cases in Missoula County, the health department reported in its weekly briefing last week that it's hiring more staff to help trace cases. Incident Commander Cindy Farr says contact tracing takes up a significant amount of time and resources, so MCCHD is asking you to answer your phone if contacted.

"I know that there are many people out there who are still waiting to hear from our team," Farr said. "If you tested positive for COVID-19 and have not yet heard from our team, you can help us speed up the process by compiling a list of names and phone numbers of anyone that would be considered a close contact to you."

Farr says getting a list of close contacts ready will help speed up the case investigation. Additionally, if you are expecting a phone call from the health department, it will come from a phone number starting with 406-550, or 406-830.

MCCHD reported an additional 43 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Missoula County.

The health department is also looking to fill numerous short-term positions to assist with the COVID response ASAP. More details are available at http://missoula.co/covidjobs.