BUTTE — Montana Tech in Butte to offer free COVID-19 testing for students, staff, and faculty members.
“We’re proud to be able to step up and help our campus during a difficult time,” said Montana Tech Athletic Director Matt Stepan.
Faculty and coaches with the department learned how to administer COVID-19 tests, which will be conducted for free on university students, staff, and faculty who show symptoms of the coronavirus.
The new testing program was started with the help of the St. James HealthCare and the Butte Health Department.
“I think it’s understood we’re going to have positive tests, we’re going to have students that testing positive. The faster we can identify then the better chance we can manage and mitigate the spread of that,” said Stepan.
“We can get these kids if they do test positive here at Montana Tech, get them in the proper route and isolated and quarantined if needed," added Chris Heard with St. James HealthCare’s Sports Medicine Services.
Since COVID-19 has interrupted Montana Tech’s fall sports schedule, the athletic department has stepped out to try and help out however they can.
“With the suspension of some of our fall sports in the spring, it’s freed up some time with coaches and athletic department staff that we can take on a little be of this lode and we’re absolutely happy to do it,” said Stepan.
Any students, staff, or faculty with Montana Tech feeling symptomatic can make an appointment to be tested on the university's website and the testing site will be open throughout the day Monday through Friday.