The Missoula City-County Health Department (MCCHD) on Friday morning reported 15 additional COVID-19 cases since the Thursday update.
MCCHD noted that this is different than the number reported by the state on Friday as they continue to reconcile previous cases we've already accounted for.
There are currently 428 active cases in Missoula County with more than 880 close contacts across the county. Local public health officials are reporting 1,259 cumulative cases.
There have been 827 recoveries and four COVID-19 related deaths to date. Twelve people are hospitalized in Missoula County as of Friday including six county residents.
MCCHD reports that one of the newly reported COVID-19 cases are from the University of Montana. UM now has 93 active cases and a total of 221 cases since Aug. 12.
Local health officials note that cases are more prominent across younger adults, and exposure to a known active case continues to be a significant cause of new cases.
Missoula County residents can call 406-258-INFO weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss coronavirus information or to be connected with a screener/scheduler for COVID-19 testing if they are currently experiencing COVID-compatible symptoms.
MCCHD has rolled out a new website solely focused on COVID-19 information which can be found here.
MCCHD is urging people to continue practicing health and safety behaviors:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
- Keep at least 6 feet of safe space between you and others as the environment permits.
- Wear a face covering that's fully sealed around your nose and mouth.
- Remember that physical spacing does not replace face coverings - these are tools to be used together for maximum efficacy and safety.
Missoula became the first major city in Montana to require the wearing of face coverings on July 9.
*the Missoula City-County Health Department may be alerted to additional cases before the Montana Department of Health and Human Services.