Friday morning, the Flathead County Commissioners delegated Hillary Hanson, Flathead County Health Officer to serve as the Incident Commander for the COVID-19 response in Flathead County according to a press release.
In order to share information, communicate with the public, and coordinate any future response efforts, the Flathead City-County Health Department has been working within the Incident Command System structure, according to a press release. This allows the FCCHD to serve as the lead agency in local COVID-19 response efforts.
“We have been working hard to prepare for COVID-19. While there are no cases in Flathead County, at this time, this delegation from the Commissioners provides us the ability to enhance our preparation,” said Hanson. “In the event we have a local case, we can act quickly to identify and protect our community.”
The Flathead City-County Health Department has been collaborating with organizations at the federal, state and Flathead County level including schools, healthcare, emergency response and law enforcement in preparation activities. FCCHD is closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak, working with health providers to actively screen patients and prepare emergency protocols.
“The safety and health of our community is top priority,” says Brian Heino, Flathead County Sheriff. “Working in the incident command structure for COVID-19 ensures consistent communication and collaboration among all partners involved.”
The FCCHD has established an information-only hotline for the community to learn updates, which can be reached at (406) 751-8188. A website has also been established which provides guidance to the general public and to various audiences here.
