When you look at the map of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Montana, you can’t help but notice there are significantly more cases in Gallatin County compared to all other counties.
As of Saturday morning (March 28), Gallatin County has 46 confirmed cases; 12 of them are patients under the age of 30.
Here are the counties with the most confirmed cases in Montana: Gallatin 46; Yellowstone 23; Missoula 9; Lewis & Clark 9; Butte-Silver Bow 8; Cascade 7; Flathead 6; Toole 5. Officials in Montana are keeping a list of confirmed cases in the Treasure State on an updated map and website - click here to visit the site.
In a press conference on Friday, Gallatin City-County Health Department health officer Matt Kelley explained why he believes this is happening. Kelley said Gallatin County is home to tourist sites, is a crossroads to other popular locations, and has a growing economy with a lively university.
He says the natural beauty and nearby attractions bring people in from across the state and the world. “So yes, I know when you look at the map, we have the highest number of cases,” said Kelley. “But what the map doesn’t show is the enormous amount of talent and vigor and energy that’s in the community fighting this pandemic.”
FIRST DEATH: Lincoln County resident Jim Tomlin has been reported as the first COVID-19 death in Montana. Tomlin was 77 years old and lived south of Troy; click here to read more, and hear from his son.
STATE SUMMARY: Here are the counties with the most confirmed cases in Montana: Gallatin 46; Yellowstone 23; Missoula 9; Lewis & Clark 9; Butte-Silver Bow 8; Cascade 7; Flathead 6; Toole 5. Officials in Montana are keeping a list of confirmed cases in the Treasure State on an updated map and website - click here to visit the site. There have now been seven hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients in Montana, according to the state Coronavirus Task Force. The DPHHS public health lab in Helena has completed more than 3,385 tests for COVID-19. NOTE: Some cases are being re-assigned to other counties - for instance, the Glacier County case was re-assigned to Toole County, because the patient was tested and treated in Glacier County (Cut Bank), but actually lives in Toole County. That has happened in several cases. We know that it can be confusing - we are trying to keep things as accurate as possible as the situation changes.
"STAY HOME" ORDER: Governor Steve Bullock on Thursday afternoon issued a directive requiring Montanans to stay home and temporarily closes all nonessential businesses and operations as efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) continue. The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 28. Click here for complete details.
The order will be in effect through Friday, April 10, and requires all businesses and operations in Montana, except for essential businesses and operations as defined in the directive, to stop all activities within the state. The Directive also prohibits all public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a household or place of residence. The order does not prohibit restaurants from continuing to offer take-out, curb-side, and delivery service. Click here for a list of Great Falls restaurants offering such service.
Employees who are not sure if they are considered essential should talk with their manager/business owner. Business owners with questions can call at 1-800-755-6672 and leave messages 24-hours a day and will receive a prompt response, according to Bullock. *CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL TEXT OF THE DIRECTIVE*
CONTINUING COVERAGE:
- 77-year old man identified as first COVID-19 death in Montana
- Cascade County law enforcement officials clarify "stay at home"
- Coronavirus stimulus package: What it means for Americans
- Unemployment claims skyrocket in Montana
- Businesses trying to keep the doors open in Great Falls
- Churches and non-profits team up to help Great Falls
- How safe is take-out food during COVID-19 pandemic?
- Restrictions and closures extended in Montana due coronavirus
- Yellowstone National Park is closed to all visitors until further notice
- Great Falls Clinic now accepting homemade masks
- "GF Take Down & Take Out" supports Great Falls restaurants
- Some grocery stores begin offering periodic "seniors only" shopping
- Why COVID-19 is causing more concern than the flu