GREAT FALLS — The Cascade City-County Health Department in Great Falls on Thursday announced the third COVID-19-related death in Cascade County.
The CCHD said in a news release that the death of the man, who was over the age of 65 and had "underlying health conditions," is related to the recent outbreak in a Cascade County long-term care facility. Out of respect for the family, the CCHD said that no additional information will be released.
“I am saddened at the death of this man, and I mourn with his family and loved ones as they face this loss,” said Trisha Gardner, Health Officer for Cascade County. “We know that COVID-19 is particularly dangerous to older adults. I hope that everyone in our community will think of their own vulnerable loved ones and take every precaution to slow the spread of this virus.”
The CCHD said on Tuesday that it identified an outbreak of six COVID-19 cases in connection with the long-term care facility. Due to federal privacy regulations (HIPAA), the CCHD has not released the name of the facility or any other details.
The first COVID-related death in Cascade County was a woman over the age of 65 on April 17; the second was a man over the age of 65 on April 20.
Three other COVID-19 deaths were reported in Big Horn County on Thursday morning. The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Montana now stands at 70.