MISSOULA — The Missoula City-County Health Department (MCCHD) on Tuesday morning reported 55 additional COVID-19 cases since the Monday update.
There are currently 461 active cases in Missoula County with MCCHD monitoring more than 970 close contacts.
Overall, local public health officials are reporting 1,412 cumulative cases.
There have been 946 recoveries and five COVID-19 related deaths to date.
Fifteen people are hospitalized in Missoula County as of Monday including nine county residents.
MCCHD reports that of the 461 active cases, 30% are related to 20-to-29-year-olds, while 30% are related to 10-to-19-year olds and 30-to-39-year olds.
Additionally, 61% of the active cases are associated with other known cases, while 36% of our active cases are the result of community-acquisition.
"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.