Mass COVID-19 testing to occur at Lapwai Nimiipuu Health Monday, June 29

LAPWAI- The Nimiipuu Health (NMPH) Lapwai Clinic (111 Bever Grade) will be conducting tests for COVID-19 on Monday, June 29, beginning at 9 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. subject to change based on the availability of testing kits.

Testing will be available for any enrolled NMPH patients or any employee of a Nez Perce Tribe entity. This is following the rise in positive COVID-19 cases. Given the circumstances, Idaho is remaining in stage 4 and the Nez Perce Tribe remains in stage 3.

The testing will occur by drive-thru format for asymptomatic¹ individuals, at the back NMPH parking lot. Please note, the back NMPH parking lot will not be available for staff parking. Staff will need to park in the Pi-Nee-Waus parking lot.

Patients will remain in their vehicles and medical staff will perform the swabbing. Nimiipuu Health will be utilizing nasopharyngeal swabs; the swabs will be sent to an external lab to be tested. The turnaround time for results of the swab is three to five days.

If an individual is symptomatic², they will be rerouted into a parking spot and tested with the Abbott ID NOW analyzer, which will allow for results in approximately 15 minutes. Symptomatic² patients need to be evaluated for their care needs and this is why symptomatic² patients will be given a result with the rapid testing method. The Abbott ID NOW analyzer has a limited testing capacity and everyone cannot be tested with this machine. The goal is to test as many community members as possible, and using an outside lab helps NMPH to meet this goal.

Patients on site for COVID-19 testing will not be permitted in the building, unless directed to do so by staff. Patients coming to NMPH for a regular appointment will still be permitted in the building. Public restrooms will not be available for those being tested.

Markers and signs will be in place to route vehicles appropriately. There will be one entrance and one exit. See attached map. Please mind the markers and follow all necessary protocols. Staff will be fully equipped with personal protective equipment to ensure patients' safety as well as theirs.

Those who were directly exposed³ to a confirmed COVID-19 positive individual without a mask, but remain asymptomatic¹, it is advised to self-quarantine⁵ for 10 days. If during those 10 days you begin to have symptoms, you should call NMPH for further instruction.

Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be instructed to self-isolate⁴ for 10 days, with at least a 72-hour period of being symptom free, starting on the day they were tested. Those who test positive for COVID-19 and were already in self-quarantine⁵, should restart the 10 days for self-isolation⁴.

"Please be sure to inform your supervisor if you feel you need testing. Employers rely on the honesty and good faith of staff to provide necessary information," the news release stated.

If needed, NMPH will consider an additional mass testing day, pending the results of the June 29 testing. NMPH will also be planning for a testing day in Kamiah. They appreciate everyone's patience and understanding during this trying time. For any questions, please call NMPH at (208)843-2271.

Definitions:

¹Asymptomatic- An individual not showing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.

²Symptomatic- An individual showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.

³Direct Exposure- Being within 6 feet for longer than 10 minutes, without a mask, of a confirmed positive individual.

⁴Self-Isolation- Used to separate people infected with the virus - positive COVID-19 test - (those who are sick with symptoms and those who are symptom free) from people who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay home until it's safe for them to be around others. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific "sick room" or area.

⁵Self-Quarantine- Used to keep someone who has been exposed to COVID-19 positive individual away from others to reduce potential spread of the virus. Quarantine helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department.