Second round of COVID testing offered to veterans

Montana veterans enrolled in the Montana VA Health Care System are eligible for free COVID-19 testing in a second round of swabbing events across Montana. The first round of COVID-19 testing under Gov. Steve Bullock’s surveillance program for asymptomatic veterans began June 25.

As of July 1, 680 veterans have been swabbed at 13 different sites across Montana.

Starting July 7 to July 14, swabbing will be available in Hamilton, Helena, Glendive and Kalispell. All swabs will be sent to the state of Montana’s Department of Health and Human Services’ laboratories.

Kalispell’s drive-thru test will be offered from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Monday, July 13, at 31 Three Mile Drive.

Any veteran who tests positive will be contacted by Health and Human Services as soon as a positive result is confirmed. Veterans who test negative for COVID-19 will be contacted by the Montana VA Health Care System. These negative results will be communicated as early as two weeks or up to 30 days.

Veterans will stay in their vehicle to be tested. All visitors to a VA facility are required to wear a face covering.