Third case of COVID-19 confirmed in Beaverhead County

Beaverhead County Public Health is investigating a second newly confirmed case of COVID-19 in the county in less than one week.

This brings Beaverhead County’s total COVID-19 case count to 3.

The male in his teens was symptomatic and sought testing. He is currently isolated and public health is in the process of notifying and following up with his contacts. The case was reported the evening of July 8.

Exposure source has not been determined.

A close contact is someone who is within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes with a positive case. Close contacts will be notified by public health. Public health does not investigate contacts of contacts.

Beaverhead County Public Health Director, Sue Hansen, reminds Beaverhead County residents to be cautious and remain vigilant as cases in Montana continue to dramatically increase. Social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands, and remaining home when sick are 4 of the very simple and proven ways we can reduce the transmission of this disease. “Just because the county has had very few cases does not mean we are immune to an outbreak of COVID-19. Large gatherings such as weddings and crowed bars where social distancing is not being followed have been linked to recent cases in Montana.” she said.

Community-wide testing for COVID-19 will begin this Friday, July 10th at Beaverhead County Public Health located at 41 Barrett Street. Testing will begin at 11am to 1pm. A large testing event is being planned for Friday, July 24th for community-wide testing. This testing is for asymptomatic persons only. More information will be issued at a later date. Those who have symptoms are asked to seek testing at Barrett Hospital and Healthcare by calling their healthcare provider. Those experiencing severe symptoms are asked to seek emergency medical care at the hospital.

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