Flathead County Confirms 4 Additional Deaths Due to Outbreak at Long-term Care Facility

Officials with the Flathead City-County Health Department on Friday confirmed four additional deaths of individuals related to an outbreak of COVID-19 at a local long-term care facility.

The total number of deaths associated with the facility is now five, officials stated in an afternoon press release. The recent deaths brings the total number of COVID-19 related fatalities in Flathead County up to eight, according to health officials.

“We extend our sympathies to all loved ones affected by these recent deaths,” said Tamalee St. James Robinson, Interim Health Officer of the Flathead City-County Health Department.

Out of respect for the families, no further details will be released, officials said in the press release.

Although health officials did not identify the facility at the center of the outbreak, the Flathead Beacon independently confirmed that it is the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center, located in Whitefish.

According to the facility’s executive director, Reid Crickmore, as of last week there were 14 positive resident cases and eight positive staff cases.

“Our residents and staff’s safety are our number one priority, and we will continue to work hard to protect them,” Crickmore stated in an email. “We are thankful for our staff that works tirelessly day in and day out to provide care for our residents.”

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