MISSOULA — The Missoula City-County Health Department (MCCHD) on Wednesday morning reported 69 additional COVID-19 cases since the Tuesday update.
There are currently 489 active cases in Missoula County with MCCHD monitoring nearly 1,400 close contacts across Missoula County.
MCCHD reports that of the 489 active cases, 80 are associated with University of Montana staff, faculty, and students.
Additionally, 56% are new cases associated with other known cases (close contacts that acquired COVID), while 39% are related to community acquisition.
Overall, local public health officials are reporting 1,481 cumulative cases. There have been 987 recoveries and five COVID-19 related deaths to date.
Eighteen people are hospitalized in Missoula County including 10 county residents. The number of hospitalizations rose from the 15 reported on Tuesday.
Ten of the active cases are associated with the University of Montana. There are currently 77 active cases and a total of 253 cases being reported from UM.
"We are now seeing cases in our long-term care facilities in the county and that is very worrisome," Missoula Public Health Officer Ellen Leahy told MTN News on Oct. 12. She attributes the uptick and spread to a couple of factors.
Clusters are popping up in social settings, extracurricular activities, and events and she pointed out that COVID-19 fatigue certainly isn’t helping the situation.
Missoula County residents can call 406-258-INFO weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss coronavirus information.
MCCHD has rolled out a new website solely focused on COVID-19 information which can be found here.
MCCHD is urging people to continue practicing health and safety behaviors:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
- Keep at least 6 feet of safe space between you and others as the environment permits.
- Wear a face covering that's fully sealed around your nose and mouth.
- Remember that physical spacing does not replace face coverings - these are tools to be used together for maximum efficacy and safety.
Missoula became the first major city in Montana to require the wearing of face coverings on July 9.
*the Missoula City-County Health Department may be alerted to additional cases before the Montana Department of Health and Human Services.