Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913

County Confirms Sixth Case Of COVID-19

Gov. Issues Order To Wear Masks

The Valley County Health Department and Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital confirmed the county’s fifth case of COVID-19 on July 19, and a sixth case on July 21, resulting in the county having two active cases as the previous four cases have all recovered. The fifth case is a female in her 60s who is symptomatic and is currently isolated at home. According to a release issued by the Health Department and FMDH, how the patient obtained the virus is unknown however the female is suspected to have been exposed while traveling outside of the county.

The Valley County Health Department has followed up directly with all individuals who may have had close contact with the female and are at risk of infection in order to ensure they get tested for the virus.

The sixth case is a male in his 50s who is symptomatic and is isolating at home. The source of the virus is suspected exposure from travel outside the county.

Another county is taking responsibility for contact tracing, and no Valley County contacts are expected to be identified for this case.

When an active case is confirmed, the Health Department will follow up directly with all individuals who may have had close contact with the active case. To aid in the contact tracing process, the Health Department and FMDH ask for all to have their voicemail set up and cleared so messages can be received. They also stress to limit contact with others, avoid large group gatherings and wear a mask when social distancing is difficult for the safety of individuals, their families and the community.

As cases of COVID-19 continue to be confirmed throughout the state, Governor Bullock issued a directive requiring face coverings in certain indoor spaces and for certain organized outdoor activities in counties currently experiencing four or more active cases of COVID-19 to slow the spread of the virus. The directive was issued to require businesses, government offices and other indoor spaces open to the public to ensure that employees, contractors, volunteers, customers and other members of the public wear a face mask that covers their mouth and nose while remaining inside these spaces. The directive also requires face coverings at organized outdoor activities of 50 or more people, where social distancing is not possible or is not observed.

“Many Montanans answered the call to mask up – a call that came from our hospitals, nurses and doctors, our vibrant small business community, our frontline workers and our high-risk neighbors,” stated Governor Bullock. “I thank all of those who take seriously their personal responsibility and their role in stopping COVID-19. But we need even more Montanans, and the visitors who come here, to mask up.”

The directive does not require face coverings in counties with three or fewer active cases or for children under five, though in both cases coverings are strongly encouraged. Other exceptions include children under two, while eating or drinking at businesses that sell food or drinks, during activities that make face coverings unsafe (such as strenuous physical exercise or swimming), while giving speeches or performances in front of a socially distanced audience, while receiving medical care or for people with a pre-existing condition that would make wearing a face covering unsafe.

Businesses, other indoor spaces open to the public and sponsors of organized outdoor activities may also deny entry, refuse service or ask any person to leave if they refuse to wear a face covering. If necessary, they may rely on peace officers to enforce the state’s trespassing laws if a person refuses to wear a face covering and refuses to leave the premises.

“There’s no reason this needs to be political, because COVID-19 isn’t political. Instead this is about being a Montanan and being supportive of those around us. Montanans need to not only feel safe, but be safe to continue supporting small businesses like restaurants, breweries, clothing stores, bookshops and more. And Montanans need to be healthy to work….” stated the Governor.

In order to ensure the continued safety of the community when large events are taking place, the Valley County Health Department is asking anyone planning an event or activity to complete an event/activity plan form, which helps everyone think of all of the preventative measures that should be considered. The form should be filled out by businesses having an event that is in addition to their usual business activity or for someone planning a wedding at any location. The form can be obtained by the Valley County Health Department and either e-mail, faxed, mailed or dropped off upon completion.

“Smaller events may not require a plan but we still ask that everyone get in touch with the Health Department,” stressed Valley County Health Department Director Lynn Miller in a release.

The Valley County Health Department can be contacted at 406-228-6261 and they are located at 501 Court Square, Glasgow.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/10/2024 14:35