COVID-19 continues to spread in communities across Montana, including our own. As of Thursday, Oct. 22, Musselshell County had 32 active cases equating to a 60% increase from the week prior and does not include those tests conducted at hospitals outside of our county. In comparison, during the week of Oct. 5-9, Musselshell County went from zero active cases to six. Since the pandemic began in March, we have had a total of 97 cases of COVID-19 and one death. One third of our total cases during this pandemic have occurred in just three weeks of October.

Montana is in the midst of a surge and, with one of the highest new infection rates in the nation, has reported more than 10,000 new COVID-19 cases in October alone. This has very real and very serious effects on our communities, our neighbors and our loved ones, and threatens to strain our health care systems.

We ask that everybody do their part to help slow the spread of infection. Wear a mask when around others, practice physical distancing by keeping at least six feet between yourself and others outside of your household whenever possible, wash your hands frequently, avoid groups or crowds whenever possible and stay home if you are ill. Using these simple actions together can have a very real impact. It not only protects you, but also those around you, and is a kindness we can do for others. Together, we can make a difference.

If you develop any symptoms of respiratory illness, please contact your regular health care provider. If you believe you have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, you may call the public health office at 535-3983 and they will assist you to determine if you need contact testing.