Flathead COVID cases on the rise again
A second dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is administered during the last vaccination clinic at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in this June 22, 2021, file photo. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead County has seen a rise in COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks, with 117 active cases as of Monday, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department.
Of the 91 new cases reported statewide on Monday, 25 were from Flathead County. A total of 103 people have died from COVID-19 in the county.
There were 466 active cases in Montana as of Monday.
Recent case investigations show that many of the newest local infections are occurring in clusters, where multiple people are infected or exposed at the same time. The increase in cases appears to be driven by social events and gatherings. In response to the influx, health officials are urging the community to make responsible choices and to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"When a positive case is identified, our staff initiates a case investigation and works with the infected individual to help determine all close contacts that may have been exposed during their infectious period," county Health Officer Joe Russell said in a press release. "Close contacts who are unvaccinated are required to follow the CDC guidelines for self-quarantine and testing. However, fully vaccinated individuals who are exposed may continue regular activities as long as they remain asymptomatic."
Vaccination remains the most effective method of mitigating the spread of the virus, the health department stressed. Available vaccines are highly effective at preventing transmission, and recent studies indicate they also protects against new variants. Those previously infected with the virus may have some immunity, but their remaining antibodies may not be enough to protect against stronger or more transmissible variants such as the delta variant, according to the health department.
The health department recommends that everyone eligible receive a free COVID-19 vaccine, available in Flathead County at the health department, local clinics and pharmacies, and various pop-up clinics. More information can be found at flatheadhealth.org/covid-19-vaccine or vaccinefinder.org.
"We are excited to see that 43% of our community has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and we encourage any eligible individual who is interested to go and receive the vaccine," Russell said. "The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective and accessible. Let's work together to protect the health and wellbeing of our community."