The Butte-Silver Bow County Health Department released new COVID-19 numbers on Monday morning, reporting 137 new cases in the county.
There are now 553 active cases and 1,954 cumulative positive cases. The county reports 1,375 COVID-19 recoveries and 25 deaths.
NOTE: As the number of COVID-19 cases increases in Montana, the disparity between state data from DPHHS and data from county health departments continues to grow. As of Thursday, November 19th, MTN News has decided to use a combination of these sources to deliver more accurate and timely information. County health departments are often alerted to cases/deaths before Montana DPHHS; as those counties share that information with us and/or the public, MTN News believes it should be reflected in our reporting. Using that county-level data means there will be times when MTN News data differs from the state report. Click here for the Montana COVID site.
RESTRICTIONS: Tighter restrictions went into effect on Friday, November 20th, 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. 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.
The US has recorded 3 million new cases of COVID-19 this November