Another COVID-19-related death in Chouteau County

The state tracking map for the COVID-19 pandemic has added another death for Choteau County, bringing its total to 13 COVID-19-related deaths.

The totals for other counties in the area remained the same, with 71 in Hill County, 29 in Blaine and two in Liberty.

The daily totals of new cases have dropped from rates in the past few weeks, though they still generally are higher than were were prior to the omicron variant-driven surge in January and on.

Hill County Health Department reported Wednesday 33 new cases with one active hospitalization and 1697 active cases. It has had more than 1,000 new cases confirmed since the end of December.

Blaine County Health Department reported Wednesday 14 new cases confirmed with four active hospitalizations and 133 active cases. It has had 541 new cases since the end of December.

Chouteau County had four new cases confirmed, the state tracking map reported in its update this morning, with 10 active cases. It has seen 104 new cases since the end of December, according to the state tracking map data.

Liberty County had one new case confirmed, the state tracking map reported in its update this morning, with 21 active cases. It has seen 96 new cases since the end of December, according to the state tracking map data.

As the omicron variant appears to be more likely to cause breakthrough or recurring infections, officials are urging people to take every step they can to protect themselves and slow the spread of the virus, with the most crucial getting vaccinated or a vaccine booster if they have not done so yet.

The vaccines for COVID-19 have remained effective at preventing hospitalization and death through out the pandemic and the rollout of boosters for the vaccines provide an extra layer of protection that drastically reduces the chances of people getting seriously ill.

Aside from vaccination, much of the same procedures are still recommended to slow the spread of the virus, including omicron. Wearing masks while in public areas is still a key way to slow the spread of - and reduce the chance of contracting - the virus, with recommended masks still effective at reducing the spread of the variants of the virus, including omicron.

Avoiding being in large groups of people outside of a person's household when possible also will reduce the chance of contracting the virus, as will regular handwashing and people covering their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow.

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.

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

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.