In a Tuesday press release, the Gallatin City-County Health Department pointed the public to the State of Montana's COVID-19 tracking map for information "on the genders and age ranges of all of our positive cases."
MTN News is currently reporting this information daily and will continue to do so.
Regarding further details about positive cases, GCCHD wrote the following:
As more tests and results are reported, we will no longer be routinely providing details about each individual case unless we see an immediate public health need. We understand this is a change in procedure, but as cases continue to be confirmed in Gallatin County, we want to ensure accuracy. Our goal is to provide the community with consistent and accurate information in a way that is sustainable. This situation is evolving and we’re trying to evolve with it. Our community's health is our top priority and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect the safety and wellbeing of our County.
Some of the cases are a close contact to a known case. We expect future cases to consist of community transmission, close contact, and travel related history. Matt Kelley, Health Officer for Gallatin CityCounty Health Department, “This is all part of our effort to identify contacts. All identified close contacts are instructed to self-quarantine. If close contacts develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 they are encouraged to contact their primary care provider.”
The Health Department strongly urges social distancing measures, defined as:
- Limiting contact with groups of people, whether you’re sick or not and maintaining social distancing when in public as much as possible.
- Staying home whenever possible, except for your essential needs.
- Self-isolating when you are sick, even with mild symptoms.
- Frequently washing your hands with soap and water, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
- Work from home if possible.
- Self-quarantine for 14 days if you’ve recently returned home from international travel.
The GCCHD Call Center is open seven days a week for questions about COVID-19 at 406-548-0123.
