BIG SKY — Starting Monday, December 7th, anybody who lives or works in Big Sky is able to receive a free asymptomatic COVID-19 test thanks to the Big Sky Relief Testing Program.
The concept is simple: free COVID-19 testing for people not showing symptoms.
Partners say it’s a way to help keep the community healthy and keep businesses open as the winter ski season approaches.
“We have tons of people who live and work here that depend on this visitor economy,” said Candace Strauss, CEO Big Sky Chamber/Visit Big Sky
“And this is a way we can ensure that that stays open this winter.”
Partners in the effort say everybody and anybody connected to Big Sky should get a test. It’s free, with a quick 24-48 hour turnout time.
“We worked really closely with our County Health Departments in the state of Montana and DPHHS to ensure that our program is going to be supplemental to the overall challenges that Montana has faced with COVID-19,” said Daniel Bierschwale, Executive Director at Big Sky Resort Area District.
Positive cases will be reported to the county, and Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital is helping support the program with contract tracing services.
It is a $4.5 million program that would not be made possible without the support of community members.
Twenty five percent of the funds come from the Big Sky Philanthropic Community including Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, Spanish Peaks Community Foundation and Moonlight Basin Community Foundation.
Another twenty five percent comes publicly from the Big Sky Resort Area District/Visit Big Sky.
And the final fifty percent comes from private and community employers including the Yellowstone Club, Spanish Peaks Mountain Club, Moonlight Basins, Big Sky Resort and Suffolk Construction.
One thousand tests were made available for this week. You can grab one at the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday between 8am and 3pm.
Learn more about testing guidelines and FAQ’s by visiting their website:
