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Another COVID-related death hits area

Blaine County has had another COVID-19-related death, bringing the county's total from the start of the pandemic to 25.

Blaine County Health Department reported the death in its update Tuesday, also reporting two newly confirmed cases of the disease from Friday through Tuesday, bringing its number of active cases to 83 with five active hospitalizations.

The death brings the total in the region since the delta variant-driven surge took off in this part of the state August to 12 new deaths. Hill County has recorded 10 COVID-19-related deaths, bringing its death toll to 56 since the first cases were reported in this area in March 2020, and Chouteau County has reported one, bringing its total to eight.

Liberty County has not reported a death since the surge began, with its death toll as of today standing at one.

Deaths also continue to mount in the state, with 2,109 total COVID-19-related deaths confirmed in Montana. That is up 387 since Aug. 6, when Havre Daily News again began printing statewide data, and up by 100 new deaths from the start of October.

Local health departments continue to plead with local residents to slow the surge of the virus.

A post from Liberty County Public Health Tuesday asked people to "please continue to be diligent and wash your hands frequently and often, stay home when you don't feel well, wear a mask when social distance can't be obtained."

A post on the Fort Belknap Indian Community Council Facebook page says the pandemic continues to be extremely dangerous and asked people to take action to slow the spread and reminded people that restrictions are in place. Fort Belknap went back into a partial shutdown Monday.

Hill County Health Department, which reported Tuesday 41 new cases from Saturday to Tuesday with 129 active cases and 12 active hospitalizations, has been warning people that the department staff members are working as quickly as they can to get through all of the positive tests, but they are not able to reach everyone in one day.

"If you are showing symptoms and have been tested and not yet heard from us regarding your results, please stay home until you get a call from us or you have been symptom-free for 48 hours. Thank you for your understanding," its latest update said.

During this surge, health officials have continued the message they have given basically from the start of the pandemic.

People should stay home if they don't feel well, the officials say, should regularly wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap or with a hand sanitizer including at least 60 percent alcohol, should regularly wash and sanitize surfaces, should wear a mask when in indoor public spaces, and anyone who can should get vaccinated.

In Hill County, vaccinations are available through Bullhook Community Health Center, 406-395-4305; the Hill County Health Department, 406-400-2415; Northern Montana Health Care's Specialty Medical Center at 406-265-7831 or its Family Medical Center at 406-265-5408; Western Drug Pharmacy, 406-265-9601; Gary & Leo's Pharmacy, which takes walk-ins; Walmart; and the Rocky Boy Health Center, 406-395-1655.

Vaccinations are available in Blaine County through Blaine County Health Department and Fort Belknap Health Center, 406-353-3219.

The Blaine County Health Department report Tuesday said the health department continues to offer walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1-4:30 p.m.) at the health department at 420A Ohio Street in Chinook. Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines available. People with questions can call 406-357-2345.

Vaccine is available in Chouteau County at the Chouteau County Health Department, 406-622-3771, and Big Sandy Pharmacy at 406-378-5588.

People can call Liberty County Health Department at 406-759-5517 to schedule a vaccination.

 

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