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Detention officer, 3 other Big Horn County employees test positive for COVID-19

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HARDIN - Big Horn County health officials announced Thursday that four county employees have tested positive for COVID-19.

According to a press release, all four presented with symptoms and were found to be in contact with previously-confirmed coronavirus patients.

Three county employees work in the Road/Rural Fire Department, and one is a detention officer at the county jail.

In addition, seven additional county employees are under home quarantine due to contact with those who tested positive.

No inmates in the Big Horn County Detention Facility have tested positive for the coronavirus, the press release states.

RELATED: Yellowstone, Big Horn county health officials bring in additional help for contact tracing

“The fact that COVID-19 infected our employees, despite our efforts, highlights the danger of this virus,” said George Real Bird III, chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. “We will be redoubling our efforts, requiring masks to be worn by our employees when working with each other or County residents. We really hope that with everyone’s cooperation, we can keep our facilities and our County open for business.”

According to state health officials, Big Horn County has had a total of 176 coronavirus cases and currently has 102 active cases of the virus. There have been five COVID-19 related deaths in the county.

The press release states the Big Horn County Board of Commissioners urges everyone in the county to stay home whenever possible, to maintain social distance with other people, and to wear a mask when social distancing cannot be maintained, for the health and safety of all our community.

RELATED:Montana reports 1 new death, 97 new COVID-19 cases (Thursday, July 23)