HELENA – Montana health officials reported 733 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, again shattering the record for daily cases. The previous record, set on Tuesday, stood at 504 cases.
Missoula County health officials said the 211 new cases in the county represent a reporting lag in the state’s tally. Local officials reported 43 new cases on Wednesday.
However, an official said Tuesday the Missoula health department would increase enforcement of statewide regulations in response to the spike in cases, with unannounced inspections in dining establishments, bars, and casinos.
Missoula incident commander Cindy Farr said that several establishments were issued warnings for failing to comply with statewide regulations, which include a mask requirement in counties with over four active cases.
Gov. Steve Bullock has previously said it is up to to local counties and health departments seeing large outbreaks to issue stricter regulations to prevent the spread of the virus.
Bullock was expected to hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon to discuss the COVID-19 outbreak.
The state has confirmed a total of just over 16,000 COVID-19 cases, but the number is thought to be far higher.