Chouteau County Commission issues COVID-19 update

Press release

Chouteau County Commission issued a release Wednesday saying, after the commission met with the Chouteau County Health Department, community health leaders and representatives from outlying communities, the commission recommends that the public continue to follow the direction being provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the president’s COVID-19 Task Force and Montana and local agencies.

“We don’t believe that declaring an emergency is prudent at this time, but we encourage the public to be diligent and follow all social distancing recommendations,” the release said.

Chouteau County medical facilities and nursing facilities are enforcing entry restrictions and the medical facilities are ready to treat anyone with the virus and keep the rest of the facility sterile, the release said.

The state Department of Public Health and Human Services coronavirus pages recommend people taking simple steps to protect themselves and their family including:

• Staying home if they are sick,

• Avoiding contact with sick people when possible,

• Covering coughs and sneezes with the crook of the elbow or a tissue

• Avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth and washing their hands frequently

• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

Calling ahead to a health care professional if they develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if they live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread.

People should tell their health care professional about their recent travel or contact. Their health care professional will work with state public health departments and CDC to determine if they need to be tested for COVID-19.  

People can find out more at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html .

Gov. Steve Bullock in a release Sunday strongly recommended that the public limits all gatherings, especially those more than 50 people, in every community across the state.

He also recommended that people older than 60 or who have compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions do not participate in gatherings of more than 20 people. He also recommended that parents should avoid, if possible, placing children for child care with grandparents or people older than 60 or have compromised immune systems.

The Chouteau County Commission urged everyone to use care.

“We encourage all businesses to be smart if remaining open, and thank all of the businesses that have taken it upon themselves to provide for the community’s needs by providing pick-up or delivery services and continue to serve our citizens,” the release said.

“We encourage people to stay calm and remain diligent regarding their care,” it added. “Please do not hoard items as others in our communities need things also. Shelves will continue to be restocked and you don’t need a three month supply of anything at one time.

We encourage you to continue to be kind and safely help our elderly and most needy citizens,” it said. “We understand that things have the potential to change rapidly and we will respond accordingly.”

Chouteau County Disaster and Emergency Services and Chouteau County Health Department are continually updating their Facebook pages as well as their websites with the most current recommendations and information. People can visit the health department website at http://chouteaucountyph.com and the county DES website at http://chouteaucountydes.com or contact the health department by telephone at 406-622-3771.

People are asked to share information with residents who may not have access to electronic information.