Montana is seeing a spike in coronavirus cases in the recent weeks. Yellowstone County was reported to have the most active cases of COVID-19 in the state with 140 on Monday, and by Tuesday that number had climbed to roughly 199. This comes in at well over two times the second place amount in Gallatin County which is 84.
“I call on all residents of Billings and Yellowstone County to abide by the directives of our public health officials in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus,” stated Mayor Bill Cole. “We should all renew our efforts and follow the advice of the medical professionals that worked before and will work again. Stay home if you are sick; avoid crowds and activities when six feet of separation cannot be maintained; wash your hands frequently; and cover your mouth and nose to prevent spreading droplets, presumably with a mask or other face covering.”
According to a statement given by Mayor Cole on Monday, one-third of all COVID-19 cases that have been reported in Yellowstone County were diagnosed within the last week. Forty-five new cases of the virus were reported in Montana on Sunday. Sixteen of those cases belonged to Yellowstone County. “That’s 35.5% – more than double our percentage share of the state’s population.”
This is likely due in part to the recent increase of testing as the availability of more tests mean that there will be more test results. An average of over two-thousands tests are being carried out per day, which is a dramatic improvement from the three-hundred or so from earlier in the virus timeline. That being said, this does not excuse the public’s responsibility to take the preventative measures that they have the capability to do.
“Increasingly, it is young people who are coming down with the disease,” commented Mayor Cole. “Of the sixteen people who were newly diagnosed on Sunday, seven were in their twenties, and all but two were under 60.” This aligns with data given by the Montana Department of Health & Human Services, Montana State Library which shows that over 30% of all cases in Montana have been reported from people ages 20-29. Nevertheless, it was reported that 58 new cases of the virus had sprung up at the Canyon Creek Memory Care Community on Tuesday. Of those who had tested positive, fifteen were employees and forty-three were residents. “From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been concerned about an outbreak in a senior living facility,” stated John Felton, Yellowstone County health officer and RiverStone Health President and CEO. “Canyon Creek is but one of the seven senior living residences reporting illness in residents and/or employees in recent days.”
He went on to say that “Seniors in congregate living situations are particularly vulnerable to tragic outcomes should they become infected with COVID-19. In this particular instance, we are especially concerned because of the challenges those with cognitive decline face in communicating, following personal hygiene instructions and their need for predictable routine.” Canyon Creek is working with RiverStone Health and is setting up separate living situations for residents who have tested positive from those who have tested negative. Staff caring for those residents are also being segregated, thus reducing the likelihood of cross-contamination. The CDC issued COVID-19 testing guidance in response to an outbreak in senior living facilities, and RiverStone Health will be working with Canyon Creek to help them follow the guidance.
“It is unrealistic to expect that the elderly and those in high-risk groups – about 25% of all American adults – should simply seal themselves off from the rest of us in a COVID-free cocoon. If we get sick, and especially if we get sick and don’t know we’re sick, we put the most vulnerable at risk along with all our friends, family, and co-workers,” stated Mayor Cole. “That’s why masks and face coverings are very important whenever we are in indoor public spaces, have contact for more than just a minute or two, and cannot maintain a safe six-foot separation. Face coverings are a minor inconvenience that protects everyone else and ourselves. And that’s why I strongly encourage everyone to wear a mask or face covering in those situations and to patronize businesses that require masks and face coverings for employees who deal with the public.”
This was further emphasized by Governor Bullock who, in a press conference on Tuesday, stated, “I remain hopeful that Montanans will take this seriously. I hope that we don’t have to get to the point of a state-wide mandate (to wear masks). But if we do, we have to make sure that everyone is on board in order to make it successful. I will be closely monitoring what’s happening with the disease. What made the stay-at-home mandate successful was that Montanans knew that they had the ability to take care of the community.”
Along with this, the practice is encouraged by the Center for Disease Control for what is known as source control. The recommendation is based on what is known about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows cloth face coverings reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth.
“Any time there is a rise in cases, it’s concerning,” added Governor Bullock. We’ve got to take this seriously. The virus isn’t political. Wearing a mask is protective of those around. Let’s make this about being able to keep our businesses open, keeping our employees safe, and keeping those who are most vulnerable among us safe.” At very little personal discomfort, individuals are able to cut back on the spread of the virus.
“Together, we can lick this thing,” wrapped up Mayor Cole, “but it’s going to take time, patience, and a lot of love for others.”
