Flathead health officials are warning residents that COVID-19 is reaching critical levels in the county, since two more residents died from the virus over the weekend.
In a press release sent out Monday afternoon, the Flathead City-County Health Department writes the area is seeing a dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Interim health officer Tamalee St. James Robinson said the surge in new cases is putting a strain on the Flathead's healthcare system and public health investigation team.
Over the past two weeks, 722 new lab confirmed cases were reported and two more Flathead County residents died over the weekend marking 21 deaths overall.
Flathead County is now functioning at critical levels for COVID, including case investigation capacity, community concern and hospitalizations.
The health department is asking residents and businesses to immediately follow the necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.