A total of 592 COVID-19 related deaths have been confirmed in Montana as of Friday, an increase of four since Thursday. One of the deaths was reported by the Montana Department of Corrections on Friday.
There are currently 506 people hospitalized; there have been 2,252 total hospitalizations since the pandemic began.
There were 1,135 new COVID cases reported in Montana within the last 24 hours, and there are currently 19,604 active cases.
There has been a cumulative total of 53,983 cases including 33,788 recoveries. A total of 5,846 new tests are being reported for a cumulative total of 601,675.
New single-day COVID-19 case records were set on Friday inMissoula County with 158 and in Ravalli County with 92 new cases.
The counties with the most deaths as of Nov. 20, 2020, are:
- Big Horn: 46
- Cascade: 58
- Flathead: 27
- Hill: 30
- Missoula: 40
- Roosevelt: 37
- Yellowstone: 112
NOTE: The disparity between state data from the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and local data from county health departments continues to grow as COVID-19 cases escalate in Montana. MTN has decided to use a combination of these sources to deliver more accurate information across all media platforms. Local county health departments may be alerted to cases before DPHHS. As those counties share that information with the public, MTN feels it should be reflected in our reporting. Using that local data means there will be times when MTN coronavirus data does not align with the state report. Click here for the Montana COVID site.
RESTRICTIONS: Tighter statewide restrictions went into effect on Nov. 20 due to the continuing increase in the number of cases and deaths. Masks will be required in all counties regardless of the number of active cases. Capacity at restaurants, bars, and casinos will be reduced to 50%, with a limit of six people per table. The businesses must close by 10 p.m. Public gatherings will also be limited to 25 people where social distancing is not possible. Click here to read the full text of the directive.
CONTEXT: Not every person who tests positive actually becomes ill or exhibits symptoms. Many do not; of those who do become sick, some experience mild symptoms and do not require hospitalization. Others, however, do require hospitalization, as noted in the daily update on the number of people hospitalized. However, every person who tests positive for COVID-19 has the potential to spread the virus to other people, including family members and friends, which is why public health officials continue to encourage everyone to wear a mask and maintain at least the recommended six feet of "social distance" when in public. The CDC released data in late August which emphasizes that people with contributing or chronic medical conditions are at much greater risk of dying from COVID-19. Click here to read more.