New COVID- related death listed in Chouteau County

The state COVID-19 tracking map this morning listed an additional death in Chouteau County.

The update this morning listed nine COVID-19-related deaths in the county, up from eight listed Monday.

That brings the total deaths in this area to 111, with 71 in Hill County, 29 in Blaine and two in Liberty.

The number of new cases in the area has dropped, but a surge is occurring in other parts of the world and in parts of the United States that is likely to hit Montana in the near future. It still is driven by the delta variant of the virus at this point, although the omicron variant that is taking over as the predominant strain in other parts of the world has been confirmed in multiple U.S. states. It had not yet been confirmed in Montana as of Monday afternoon.

The impact of omicron is yet unknown and is being studied, although initial indications are it is much more spreadable than previous versions.

People are urged to continue taking precautions, wearing masks in public areas, avoiding large groups, regularly washing hands and getting vaccinated or getting a booster shot if already vaccinated.

Vaccines for initial vaccinations and boosters are available at multiple locations in the area.

The Blaine County Health Department, 406-357-2345, and the Fort Belknap Health Center, public health nurse 406-353-3250 and pharmacy at 406-353-3104, can schedule vaccinations and booster shots.

In Hill County, vaccinations and booster shots 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 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 406-395-4486.

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.