The Ekalaka Eagle - Your Community Builder

There continues to be no cases of COVID-19 in Carter County, but the number of positive cases in Montana is increasing exponentially every day. Monday, Montana saw a record number of positive cases in one day - 80.

Carter County Public Health held an initial community snapshot COVID-19 drive-through testing event on Tuesday. There were 48 individuals who braved the wind to be tested. Anyone who tests positive will be notified by phone once results have been received. Since there is such a large increase in the number of tests being done, it is taking around 10 business days to receive community test results.

The virus and pandemic may seem far away from southeast Montana, but COVID-19 will eventually spread here as well. There have been several cases in Miles City, Billings, Rapid City and Dickinson. You don't even need to travel to become infected, because others can transmit the virus before feeling sick. Even though the state has started the reopening process and Montana continues to have the lowest number of positive cases in the U.S., we must continue to be vigilant in our mitigation efforts.

Avoid large gatherings, if at all possible. According to the latest directive, fifty people are allowed to be in a group without having to social distance. However, being close to a large number of people significantly increases your risk of contracting the virus.

If you cannot social distance, wear a cloth face covering or a mask when in public. While this may not prevent you from contracting the virus, it prevents you from transmitting the virus to others before you have symptoms.

Avoid touching your face, because the virus is frequently transmitted this way. If you have touched an object or person contaminated with infectious respiratory droplets and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus can get onto your mucous membranes, replicate and cause you to be infected.

Wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after you've been in a business or sneezed. That way if you inadvertently touch your face, your hands are clean. Be sure to cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and immediately throw it away.

Avoid people who are ill and stay home if you are sick! If you need to see a healthcare provider, call first and inform them you may have COVID-19. The healthcare organization will have special precautions ready when you arrive.

These are things we can all do to slow the spread of this virus. Please do your part to slow the transmission of the virus and keep our county healthy. Call Carter County Public Health at 406-775-6332 with questions or concerns about COVID-19.