The Flathead City-County Health Department on Wednesday confirmed the third death of a patient related to COVID-19 in Flathead County, raising the number of deaths in Montana relating to the coronavirus pandemic to 80.
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.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the patient’s family and friends,” said Tamalee St. James Robinson, Interim Health Officer of the Flathead City-County Health Department. “We encourage everyone to continue following masking and social distancing precautions to protect our most vulnerable community members.”
No further information about the death is being released.
As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, there were 53 active COVID-19 cases reported in Flathead County, and 1,590 active cases statewide, as well as 3,498 patients who have recovered. Montana reported 175 new cases on Wednesday, the third highest number of cases reported in a single day.
Gov. Steve Bullock issued a mask mandate on July 15, requiring face coverings in certain indoor spaces and at some organized outdoor activities in counties with four or more active cases of COVID-19. The directive is in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations, and follows more than two dozen other states that have enacted public health measures aimed at slowing the spread of the virus.