COVID-19 updates

As of May 5th, Carter County has zero cases of COVID-19, and Montana has 456 cases; of those cases, 410 have already recovered!

Since this is a new virus, information is frequently changing with new research and data. In the past week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the list of possible symptoms associated with COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can have mild to severe symptoms, and symptoms may not appear for 14 days after exposure.

People with COVID-19 may experience cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or a new loss of taste or smell. If you or a loved one have a combination of these symptoms, please call the office of a local healthcare provider to discuss them.

The virus that causes COVID-19 mainly spreads person-to-person through droplets that are expelled during a conversation, coughing or sneezing. The best way to prevent yourself from getting COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed. Even though Montana has started the reopening process, citizens need to continue to practice personal responsibility to prevent contracting and spreading the disease.

When out in public, avoid close contact with others, do not gather in groups, and stay out of crowded areas. Avoid close contact with sick people, even those inside your home. Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Always cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of your elbow. Consider wearing a cloth face covering when in public. The cloth face cover is meant to protect others in case you are infected and don't have symptoms yet. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

Working together, we can beat this virus!