More calls after Thanksgiving

From Nov. 29-Dec. 6, Madison County reported 31 new coronavirus cases. There have been 26 total hospitalizations through the pandemic and three deaths. Seventy-five residents are currently in quarantine.

Even through busy weeks, the Madison County Public Health Department (MCPHD) is able to contact trace. “That, in the end, is what’s going to make a difference,” Madison County Public Health Nurse Melissa Brummell said.

Brummell described a spike in phone calls to MCPHD post-Thanksgiving from individuals who attended gatherings where others had tested positive and started feeling symptomatic later. A majority of the 31 new cases came in at the end of last week. Callers ask where they can get a COVID-19 test.

Madison Valley Medical Center (MVMC) and the Ruby Valley Medical Center (RVMC) can administer COVID-19 tests. Both facilities require an appointment be made prior to testing.

MVMC administers tests throughout the day to people with an appointment who stay in their car while swabbed. RVMC conducts drive-through testing each weekday at 4 p.m. that individuals must pre-register for. Brummell suggested calling RVMC in the morning for a test needed outside the drivethrough time.