As states lift restrictions, travel across the nation is resuming. Some
states are requiring out-of-state travelers to provide proof of a negative
COVID-19 test prior to arrival, and without this negative result passengers
are subject to fourteen day quarantine. Because of testing supply shortages
across the nation, state and local health departments have designated
certain situations as priorities for testing. This prioritization ensures
that those at highest risk are promptly identified, allowing health departments
to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Effective July 28, 2020, the Montana Public Health Laboratory identified
the following individuals as priorities for COVID-19 testing:
- Symptomatic, regardless of hospitalization
- Close contacts and outbreak investigations coordinated by Public Health
authorities
- Frontline workers (Healthcare workers in high-risk situations, staff of
Assisted Living Facilities and Long Term Care centers)
- Residents of select congregate settings (group homes, institutions, other
facilities)
The Montana Public Health Laboratory has indicated that the testing of
asymptomatic people for activities, such as travel, is a non-priority. With the continued shortages with testing supplies, Marcus Daly Memorial
Hospital (MDMH) must align COVID-19 testing services with the Montana
Public Health Laboratory; and therefore, effective Wednesday, August 12,
2020, MDMH will no longer perform specimen collection for individuals
who require a negative COVID-19 test result for travel purposes.
We recommend that travelers explore the several at-home testing opportunities
that are available at the following website:
https://www.goodrx.com/treatment/coronavirus-test#active-infection-test-providers