Flathead County reports seven more COVID deaths

The Flathead City-County Health Department on Wednesday announced seven more Flathead County residents died from COVID-19-related issues, bringing the county’s total fatalities to 51.

Three of the recent deaths were associated with three different residential care facilities.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to all loved ones impacted by these deaths,” said Joe Russell, Flathead County’s new public health officer. “We continue to encourage all Flathead residents to wear a mask, social distance, and stay home when sick to protect our most vulnerable.”

Flathead County currently has just over 1,100 active cases, according to state data. Ahead of Flathead County is Cascade County with 1,299 and Yellowstone County with 2,286.

To date, 74,644 Montanans have tested positive, with more than 800 of those resulting in deaths.

Data from the health department also shows the Flathead County has experienced a slight, yet steady, decline in new daily cases since late November. Hospitalization numbers have slowly dropped as well, though that decline has come in waves. On Wednesday, health department data showed 20 individuals were hospitalized.