Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
GWENDOLYNE HONRUD
THE COURIER
Valley County coronavirus cases continue to hold steady in the single digits as of press time. The state map shows Valley County with seven active cases as of Jan. 4. The last update from the Valley County Health Department on Dec. 29 showed eight active cases with 634 recovered cases and eight deaths.
The Health Department reminds people that 50 persons in Valley County have been hospitalized with the disease. Statewide, deaths are approaching 1,000 as the state’s COVID site showed 975 deaths as of Jan. 4.
On Jan. 4, the department confirmed a ninth death due to COVID-19 and/or COVID-19 complications. An email from VCHD Director Lynn Miller said, “Valley County confirms last week’s death of a man in his 70s from COVID-19 illness and complications. Our sympathy is extended to his family and loved ones.”
Though Montana has not yet experienced a post-holiday spike in coronavirus cases, health officials recommend continued adherence to health and safety precautions. As of press time, a mask mandate was in effect, though the mandate may change with the inauguration of Greg Gianforte as Montana’s new governor. Details on Gianforte’s plans for addressing the coronavirus pandemic have not yet been made public.
A Facebook post from the Valley County Health Department on Dec. 29 called for continued vigilance. “We are going in the right direction, Valley County! With the holidays nearly behind us, please keep following the prevention measures of wearing a mask and social distancing,” read the post. “If you have any COVID symptoms, please seek medical care and testing right away. Or at the very least, warn others that you have been around so that both you and your contacts ccan limit the spread of COVID-19 virus. Please play attention to any symptoms so that we can get a jump on any exposure situation before it explodes. We are all in this together!!”
Health and safety precautions remain in effect as the health department reminds the public their goals are to protect the vulnerable, keep the students in school and keep the adults at work. Mask usage and social distancing may need to remain in effect for months as vaccines slowly roll out across the state and as new strains of the virus make their way across the country.
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