Health officials report 5 more virus deaths

On Tuesday, the Flathead City-County Health Department confirmed five additional COVID-19-related deaths in Flathead County, bringing the area's total fatality count to 56 individuals.

Health department officials said three of the recent deaths are associated with two different unnamed residential care facilities. The majority of Flathead County's virus deaths have occurred as a result of outbreaks in long-term care facilities throughout the valley.

“We send our condolences to all family and friends impacted by these deaths,” said Public Health Officer Joe Russell. “This holiday season, we urge all individuals to follow public health guidelines — keep your holiday gatherings small, wear a mask, and stay home when you don’t feel well. These small actions can save the lives of our most vulnerable community members.”

According to state data, Flathead County currently has just over 600 active COVID-19 cases - a number that has steadily decreased in recent weeks. As a whole, there are nearly 8,000 active cases across the state and more than 69,000 Montanans have recovered since the start of the pandemic.

The Flathead City-County Health Department provides regular updates on COVID-19 cases on its website at flatheadheatlh.org