First COVID-19 Death reported in Phillips County

As of Monday, November 2, 2020, The PC Health Department reports 37 active cases of Covid-19 in Phillips County, with 156 total individuals considered to be recovered, and 194 total cases overall. Currently, there are two active hospitalizations. 13 patients have had to be hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic. Sadly, one county resident has died from the disease.

Statewide, 757 new cases were reported on Monday, bringing the total number of active cases to 12,370. There have been 34,252 total confirmed cases in Montana, with 386 residents currently hospitalized, and 1,373 residents have been hospitalized overall. There have 386 deaths due to the virus in the state of Montana.

Hospitals across the state are facing nursing and staffing shortfalls as an increasing number of healthcare workers test positive or are quarantined due to the pandemic. Governor Steve Bullock announced on October 28th that he had secured five teams that will include five nurses per team from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to assist critical access hospitals in rural areas of the state with caring for patients. This additional support for rural hospitals will help prevent patients from having to be transferred to higher care facilities in urban areas of the state. Our own Hi-Line Retirement Center is struggling with these more positive tests and staffing issues.

“I’m grateful for this critical support that will help to keep the doors of our rural hospitals open and ensure that patients in rural areas can receive care as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout Montana,” said Gov. Bullock. “We must get our hands around this virus and ensure that no matter where we may live, we are all working together to do so.”’

Please, remain vigilant, and think of the safety of your neighbors. The mask mandate remains in effect and as always, social distancing and hand sanitation are key.