COVID-19 updates

As of the afternoon of May 12th, there are zero cases of COVID-19 in Carter County and only 461 positive cases in Montana. Montana residents have done an excellent job of following the guidelines to slow the transmission. Also, public health departments in Montana have been phenomenal at slowing and stopping transmission by interviewing people found to be positive with COVID-19 and their contacts. Doing this ensures those folks are in isolation and quarantine, and that the spread does not go beyond there.

However, we must all continue to take care that COVID-19 cases do not significantly increase and spread the virus to others, especially to those over 65 years and those that have severe underlying medical conditions (i.e., diabetes, asthma, COPD, obesity, and heart conditions). These people are at higher risk of developing more severe complications from COVID-19 illness.

On April 22nd, Governor Bullock released the directive on re-opening – phase one. In this directive, he stated that all vulnerable individuals should continue to follow the stay at home directive. The governor goes on to say that members of households with vulnerable individuals should be aware that by returning to work or other places where social distancing is not possible, they could carry the virus back home.

If you are a vulnerable individual and you choose to go out of your home, remember there are things you can do to keep you safe from the virus. First of all, stay at home as much as possible. When you go out, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently; keep hand sanitizer in your purse and car to use when you leave a business. Be sure to keep a space of six feet between yourself and others. Keep away from others who are sick. Instead of making multiple trips to the store during the week, stock up on items. Avoid non-essential travel. Call ahead to where you are going and find out if there is a specific time set aside for vulnerable residents to shop. You can also find out the store's procedure on slowing the transmission of COVID-19, such as are employees wearing masks and is there hand sanitizer available.

If you decide, you want to stay home, but you need supplies or groceries, please call Carter County Public Health at 775-6332. There are individuals in Ekalaka who have volunteered to deliver items to homes. The senior center is still closed, but congregate meals are being delivered to homes three days a week. If you would like to take advantage of that program, call Trish Lovec, the Carter County Senior Citizens Coordinator, at 775-8751. Asking for help can be challenging, but no one is going to criticize you for seeking assistance. We are here to assist you in whatever way we can!

To learn more about the vulnerable population and COVID-19, visit the following website:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/older-adults.html