Three new cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) were reported in Montana on Wednesday evening.
The Glacier County Health Department reported on Wednesday evening that is has confirmed its first case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the county.
The agency said on its Facebook page: "Northern Rockies Medical Center reports first patient positive for COVID-19 in Glacier County. The patient is an out-of-county resident. Full precautions have been taken during the entire hospitalization at Northern Rockies Medical Center. Due to patient privacy rights, no other information can be released."
Lewis & Clark Public Health in Helena said that a 66-year-old man today became the fourth person in the county confirmed to have COVID-19. The agency said, "He has not been hospitalized. We wish him well." No other details have been released.
The Lincoln County Health Department also reported on Wednesday that it has confirmed its first case of COVID-19. The agency said that patient is in his/her 70s, and had recently engaged in domestic out-of-state travel. No other details have been released due to federal privacy laws.
Dr. Brad Black, the Lincoln County health officer, said in a news release, "At this time, all indications are that our EMS and hospital personnel were well prepared for this event. We feel confident that our medical personnel used appropriate personal protective equipment and were able to minimize potential exposure." The Lincoln County Health Department is continuing to investigate this case and will provide more information if it becomes available.
As of Wednesday evening at 10 pm, there are now 70 cases of COVID-19 in Montana. Here is the current total by county: Gallatin 24; Yellowstone 12; Missoula 6; Flathead 5; Cascade 5; Butte-Silver Bow 4; Lewis & Clark 4; Madison 2; Broadwater 2; Ravalli 1; Roosevelt 1; Jefferson 1; Hill 1; Glacier 1; Lincoln 1. Ages range from several people between the ages of 10 and 19, to a woman in her 80s.
There have not been any deaths in Montana attributed to COVID-19 at this point. 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 .
As of Wednesday evening, the DPHHS public health lab in Helena has completed 2,193 tests for COVID-19; that includes 112 tests completed since Wednesday morning.
Governor Steve Bullock hosted a news conference on Tuesday afternoon to give an update on Montana's efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus. Bullock said that his school closure order, which was set to expire Friday, will be extended to April 10. His order to close all non-essential businesses, including bars, casinos, and gyms, was also extended to April 10. Restaurants remain prohibited from allowing people to eat in their dining rooms, but can continue to provide take-out, curb-side, and delivery service