Flathead County Reports Second COVID-19 Death
Health officials say the victim was over the age of 65 and had underlying health issues
By Tristan Scott
The Flathead City-County Health Department on Wednesday confirmed the second death of a patient related to COVID-19 in Flathead County, pushing the number of deaths related to the coronavirus pandemic to 14 in Montana.
The individual was over the age of 65 and was a resident of Flathead County, officials said in a press release issued Wednesday morning. The individual also had underlying health conditions.
“Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the family during this difficult time,” Hillary Hanson, Flathead City-County Health Department Health Officer, said in a prepared statement.
No further information about the death is being released.
As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, there were 37 cases of COVID-19 in Flathead County, and 439 cases statewide.
Gov. Steve Bullock issued a stay-at-home order that went into effect March 28 but is set to expire Friday. He was expected to announce a “phased reopening” of the state’s economy at noon Wednesday, a step he said is being coordinated by experts serving on his COVID-19 task force.
As businesses reopen, Bullock said he expects they will still be required to observe social-distancing regulations and other measures.
Bullock has also issued orders closing schools and businesses deemed nonessential, including bars, dine-in restaurants, personal-service businesses and others that attract groups of people have been shuttered.
He has also ordered all travelers into Montana to self-quarantine for 14 days to prevent out-of-staters from bringing coronavirus to Montana.