Data compiled by MTN News shows 397 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases are being reported in Montana on Thursday.
The statewide death toll since the pandemic began has reached 1,082. Additional deaths have been confirmed in Missoula, Yellowstone and Jefferson counties.
The number of active cases in the state is currently 4,718, according to MTN News, and there has been a cumulative total of 88,493 cases of the virus in Montana. Of the total cases, 82,693 have recovered.
There are currently 192 people hospitalized for treatment of the virus, and the cumulative number of hospitalizations is 3,917.
The number of tests performed in the state has reached 862,427, an increase of 3,358 during the previous 24-hour reporting period.
The numbers reported by MTN reflect the latest data from the Montana COVID website, along with supplemental data received from county health departments.
Note: As COVID-19 cases escalate in Montana, the disparity between state data from DPHHS and local data from county health departments continues to grow.
MTN has decided to use a combination of these sources to deliver more accurate information across all media platforms. We feel this is a more truthful accounting of the situation in Montana.
Local county health departments may be alerted to cases before Montana 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.
Gov. Greg Gianforte issued a new directive on Jan. 13 to replace several directives related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new directive repeals some restrictions on Montana small businesses, including restrictions on hours of operation and capacity. However, this change will not override orders from county boards of health that have adopted their own capacity or hour restrictions. Click here to read more.
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 experience more severe symptoms, and some do require hospitalization. Every person who tests positive for COVID, however, 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.