UPDATE: 9:45 a.m. - March 21, 2020
HAMILTON - Local health officials confirmed on Saturday morning that the first coronavirus (COVID) 19 case has been confirmed in Ravalli County.
The person is a female in her teens and is resting in isolation at home who acquired COVID-19 while traveling internationally, according to a news release.
“We knew the virus would eventually get to Ravalli County. We are prepared, and we are taking steps to help ensure the health and safety of our citizens,” Ravalli County Coronavirus Incident Management Team Commander Carol Calderwood stated.
Incident Team spokeswoman Dixie Dies noted that “Isolation is separating a person with an infectious disease away from other people. Quarantine means to separate and restricts the movement of people who are exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.”
The Incident Command Team is also working to establish a network of young healthy adults to help people comply with remaining at home.
The Ravalli County Commission declared a state of emergency on Friday due to COVID-19.
Health officials say the following steps should be followed by Ravalli County residents:
- Everyone should stay home as much as possible and avoid ALL nonessential public activities. Continue to practice 6 feet social distancing.
- Avoid overwhelming our medical system. Stay home unless you are short of breath or otherwise need urgent care. Call your provider or public health with other questions: 888-333-0461.
- People living in communal settings such as nursing homes, assisted living, independent senior living apartments and group homes should stay in the residences. Managers should facilitate and take supportive steps such as arranging for grocery shopping.
- Wash hands and frequently touched surface regularly and avoid touching your face without clean hands.
----------
(first report 9:03 p.m. - March 20, 2020)
The first positive case of coronavirus in Ravalli County was reported on Friday evening.
A state health report initially noted the positive test is a female who is between the ages of 10 and 19.
This case follows a decision by the Ravalli County commissioners to issue an emergency declarationon Friday morning.
Earlier on Friday, there were two updates of positive coronavirus cases in Lewis and Clark Countyand a woman in Madison County.
