Providence Health Care has designated two urgent care centers for patients with respiratory symptoms as the region’s largest medical provider attempts to deploy its providers to critical needs.

The move comes as the region braces for a possible surge in COVID-19 patients. The county has 29 confirmed cases, however health officials believes that’s perhaps a fraction of the overall number because of problematic testing protocols.

Providence is asking patients experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath to visit the urgent care locations at 421 S. Division St. or 551 E. Hawthorne Road.

Patients with urgent medical needs that are not respiratory are asked to visit the Providence Medical Park at 16528 E. Desmet Ct. in Spokane Valley.

For children

Providence is asking parents and guardians to bring children experiencing respiratory symptoms to one of three clinics, including 1919 S. Grand Blvd.; 1111 E. Westview Ct. Suite B; or 23813 E. Appleway Ave. in Liberty Lake.

For children who need medical attention but are not having respiratory symptoms, their parents should take them to one of three clinics, including 1402 S. Grand Blvd.; 5011 W. Lowell Ave.; or 16528 E. Desmet St. B1000 in Spokane Valley.

Providence has temporarily closed its ExpressCare Clinics throughout Spokane County and have tasked providers at those locations with helping patients through ExpressCare Virtual.

The moves are designed to respond to more patients and reduce unnecessary clinic and emergency department visits.