Montana’s COVID death toll hits four

As of Monday morning, four people in Montana have died from coronavirus — an announcement that comes as the number of positive cases has surpassed 170 individuals statewide and hospitals battle equipment shortages.

The first death was announced late last week after a 77-year-old man from Troy perished from the disease and shortly after, Madison County recorded the state’s second coronavirus-related death.

The third and fourth fatalities, which were reported to the state by the Toole County Health Department, were announced in a press release from Gov. Steve Bullock’s office on Monday morning. The press release provided no further information regarding the individuals’ ages, genders, specific areas of residence or whether they had pre-existing conditions.

“Losing two more Montanans to COVID-19 is a blow to our statewide community. Today’s news is a heartbreaking reminder to us all that we must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread of this disease,” Bullock said in a prepared statement. “Montanans in every corner of our state are keeping the family and friends of these Montanans in our hearts.”

The press release also added that Bullock’s administration “is aware of the concerns regarding impacts to the senior community in the county and has been working to deploy additional resources to the health care system.”

As of Monday morning, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services website shows Flathead County has nine positive cases of coronavrius, Lake County has three and Lincoln County has four, including the man who died. The overall tally of positive cases statewide is 171, with Gallatin County accounting for the most of these positive cases at 67.

Reporter Kianna Gardner can be reached at 758-4407 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com