Another COVID-19-related death hits the area

Hill County Health Department reported Friday that the county had suffered another COVID-19-related death, bringing the county total to 54.

With 32 newly confirmed cases, the total number of active cases in the county was 168 with 13 active hospitalizations. The cumulative total in the county was 2,928 cases.

Hill County's next update will be released this evening.

Blaine County's update Friday reported 24 newly confirmed cases with two active hospitalizations.

The county has experienced 24 COVID-19-related deaths and 1,190 total cases.

It's next update should be released this evening.

The online state tracking map reports four new cases and 37 active cases in Liberty County, which has had one death and 233 total cases.

Chouteau County had three new cases with 20 active cases and eight deaths.

Statewide, the update today reported 1,456 new cases with 11,498 active and 419 active hospitalizations.

The state has had 2,022 deaths and a total of 153,479 cases.

During this surge, health officials have continued their message basically from the start of the pandemic.

People should stay home if they don't feel well, the officials say, should regularly wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap or with a hand sanitizer including at least 60 percent alcohol, should regularly wash and sanitize surfaces, should wear a mask when in indoor public spaces, and anyone who can should get vaccinated.

In Hill County, vaccinations are available through Bullhook Community Health Center, 406-395-4305; the Hill County Health Department, 406-400-2415; Northern Montana Health Care's Specialty Medical Center at 406-265-7831 or its Family Family Medical Center at 406-265-5408; Western Drug Pharmacy, 406-265-9601; Gary & Leo's Pharmacy, which takes walk-ins; Walmart; and the Rocky Boy Health Center, 406-395-1655.

Vaccinations are available in Blaine County through Blaine County Health Department, 406-357-2345, and Fort Belknap Health Center, 406-353-3219.

Vaccine is available in Chouteau County at the Chouteau County Health Department, 406-622-3771, and Big Sandy Pharmacy at 406-378-5588.

People can call Liberty County Health Department at 406-759-5517 to schedule a vaccination.