Your Community Builder
Your Community Builder
As of Wednesday morning, April 15, Montana had reported 399 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and 7 deaths from the disease. State officials also report that 50 of the cases have resulted in hospitalizations, with 24 patients currently hospitalized, and 197 patients considered recovered.
There are no cases of COVID-19 in Carter County as of Wednesday, April 15. As suspected, last week Governor Bullock extended the end date of the executive directives to April 24, 2020. The Governor extended the end date of the Stay at Home Directive, the Directive providing mandatory quarantine for certain travelers, the restrictions for on-premises food and beverage businesses and to continue the closure of all non-residential public schools.
To read Governor Bullock's entire executive Directives, go to https://covid19.mt.gov/joint-information-center. The Carter County COVID-19 Task Force supports the Governor's Directives and continues to discuss and implement mitigation and planning strategies for COVID-19.
An outbreak of infectious disease and subsequent quarantine can be very stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about the disease can often be overwhelming. These feelings can lead to increased worry about one's health and the health of their loved ones. Increased stress also leads to difficulty sleeping, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, worsening of chronic physical health problems and worsening of mental health conditions. Unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress are increased use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs. However, coping with the stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about and your community stronger!
Healthily coping with stress will help you get through this time of crisis. Set aside time every day for deep breathing exercises, stretching or meditating. If you are new to this practice, there are educational videos you can find online or apps you can download onto your phone that will guide you. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news and social media. Repeatedly hearing about the pandemic can be upsetting and increase anxiety. Aim to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Make time to unwind by doing other activities you enjoy. Unwinding looks different for everyone; some may find comfort in a familiar book, write a letter to a loved one or play cards with family. Also, it is important to connect with people you trust to talk about your feelings and concerns; make a phone call or video chat. There are many options available today.
Lastly, know the FACTS about COVID-19. Understanding the facts about the virus and disease, your risk and the risk to people you care about may make the outbreak less stressful. Call Carter County Public Health at 406-775-6332 with questions about COVID-19. Many websites offer factual information on COVID-19.
1. covid19.falloncounty.net
2. covid19.mt.gov
3. http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
4. http://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
However, if you or a loved one are feeling overwhelmed with feelings of stress, sadness, anxiety, depression or feel like you want to harm yourself or others, please reach out. There are numerous resources available. Call 9-1-1 or 800-273-8255 if you have thoughts of harming yourself or others.
The Addictive and Mental Disorders Division of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services has established a website with other available resources. Go to dphhs.mt.gov/amdd/covid19 for more information and resources related to mental health and substance use.
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