Valley County COVID Update

As of Feb. 22, the Montana map tracking the coronavirus in the state showed Valley County with nine confirmed active cases, 792 recovered, 11 deaths for a cumulative case number of 812. Three new confirmed cases were reported in the county on Tuesday: a female aged 0-9, a male aged 10-19, and a male aged 60-69. The state map reflects only confirmed cases and health officials caution the true number of active cases is likely significantly higher.

The state map showed the total doses of vaccines administered in Valley County at 1,249, with 335 persons fully immunized. Those who have received the first dose of the vaccine numbered at 914. Valley County has 5,917 persons eligible for vaccination, with an estimated 2,600 persons eligible for Phase 1B. A single dose of the two-dose vaccine does provide elevated protection against the SARS-COVID-19 but with mutations and variations reported, health officials strongly encourage all persons to continue following health and safety guidelines including masking and social distancing.

Valley County released Clear Public Health Guidelines following Governor Greg Gianforte’s announcement that he was rescinding the state mask mandate. The guidelines are a reiteration of the advice the Valley County Health Department has been since the coronavirus outbreak began in the states. The Clear Public Health Guidelines have been released to assist business owners and others who may face liability if a COVID-19 outbreak is traced to their establishment. The guidelines are as follows:

Valley County Health Department

Clear Public Health Guidelines

Always wear a mask or two-layered face covering while inside a public building.

Stay home if you are sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19. Cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, runny nose or congestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.

Maintain 6 feet of distance from persons who do not live in your household at all times, or as often as reasonably possible.

Disinfect frequently used surfaces and continue to practice good hygiene – use hand sanitizer or wash hands frequently.

What does a “good faith effort to protect individuals from the spread of coronavirus” look like to a reasonable person? Please consider the following:

Place a poster on entrances requesting all customers, visitors and patrons to your business or facility always wear a mask or two-layered face covering.

The owner or person in charge of any event or facility would set the example of mask wearing at all times.

The owner or person in charge of any event or facility insists, requests, and holds accountable all persons employed, visiting, or patronizing any business, event, or facility who are medically able to participate in preventing the spread of coronavirus by wearing a mask or face covering at all times.

Hand sanitizer is provided at every entrance and throughout the facility or event.

Frequently used surfaces are sanitized regularly.

Seating is arranged to accommodate social distancing of 6 feet or more between all persons who are not members of the same household.