COVID-19-related death reported in Blaine County

Blaine County Health Department reported another COVID-19-related death Thursday, bringing the total in that county to 33.

The report comes as the number of new cases continues to remain low, but highlights the fact that deaths related to the illness can come weeks or even months after it is confirmed in the person who died.

In the notice Thursday, Blaine County reported one new case and three active cases, with three hospitalizations in county residents.

The notice asked people to remain vigilant.

“COVID is not over. We are still seeing cases and we are still seeing hospitalizations. Please wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, stay away from sick people and stay home when you’re sick,” it said. “All of these mitigation efforts will help control the spread of illness. Above all else, please be kind.”

Thursday’s notice said the county’s next update will be released Monday.

Most local agencies have stopped giving daily updates. Hill County is releasing data on Monday’s, with the update this week reporting one new case with two people considered recovered. Monday, Hill County had two active cases with none hospitalized and the total number of deaths in the county was still at 72.

No deaths have been reported in Chouteau or Liberty counties this month either, with the death tolls at 14 in Chouteau County and four in Liberty County in the state åreport Thursday. Today’s update had not been released by printing deadline this morning.

Thursday’s release listed 12 new cases in the state with a cumulative total of 3,247 deaths, up from 3,189 March 1.

The number of daily new cases in the state has dropped dramatically, although they still are being confirmed, and mulitiple counties are listed with no confirmed cases, including Liberty.

Chouteau County is listed with two active cases, as is Hill.