More COVID cases, deaths in area

Multiple new cases of COVID-19 and COVID-19-related deaths have been reported in the area, including cases in people associated with Havre Public Schools that is in distanced learning to try to reduce the spread of the virus.

Hill County reported three new COVID-19-related deaths Friday and another Sunday.

Blaine County reported two more COVID-19-related deaths Saturday.

That brings the total number of deaths in Hill County to 22 and to five in Blaine County.

The total number of cases in Hill County grew from 670 Friday morning to 740 this morning, with 283 active cases and 14 active hospitalizations.

Blaine County reported Sunday night 285 total cases, up from 262 Friday morning, with 138 active cases and 12 active hospitalizations.

Chouteau County’s total number was at 99 in this morning’s state COVID-19 response tracking map update, up from 84 reported Friday morning.

Liberty County reported no new cases over the weekend and all of its cases, 28, now are listed as recovered.

Havre Public Schools reported Friday morning that five new cases had been confirmed in people associated with the district, and reported three more confirmed later in the day Friday.

The district reported seven more confirmations Sunday.

Some of the cases were in schools when the people could have been infectious, others were not due to the people confirmed being quarantined or not having been on district property during the time of concern.

“If any person associated with the district is at risk of exposure, the Hill County Health Department will be in contact with that person to determine a safe and appropriate course of action,” the release from the Havre district reporting the cases said. “It is still recommended that any person who feels sick or ill, seek out their medical provider for specific instructions.

“The school district is in contact with the health department and reviewing the Centers for Disease Control (and Prevention) guidance to complete cleaning the school and other related facilities,” the release continued. “The other steps taken by the school district include the continuation of social/physical distancing, the use of face coverings, and frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing. Contact the superintendent for details about these measures. School officials will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further information if and when it becomes available.”