(UPDATE, 4:51 pm) Maryland investigators say that the woman was last in Montana in November 2019, has not returned to the state since that time, and was not in Montana during the 14-day incubation period.
“Since the case was announced earlier today, public health officials have been working nonstop to learn more about this case and can now confirm the patient did not have coronavirus while she was in Montana,” Governor Bullock said in a news release. “We will continue to monitor the patient in Maryland and remain committed to preparing for coronavirus to reach Montana.”
The patient is a resident of Lake County. She’s currently hospitalized at an Anne Arundel County hospital in Maryland. The presumptive positive test was confirmed on March 10. Bullock's office said, "Given the individuals’ known travel history and the 14-day incubation period related to COVID-19, we believe this individual did not have coronavirus while in Montana."
(1st REPORT, 12:32 pm) A Montana woman visiting Maryland has tested positive for COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
A news release from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan says that the woman was visiting Anne Arundel County in Maryland. Hogan said that while this will be classified as a Montana case, the Maryland and Anne Arundel County Health Departments are taking the lead in the investigation.
The patient is a woman in her 70s; her name and hometown have not been released, nor have details of her travels. She was alerted that she had been in close contact with a confirmed case. She presented for testing at an Anne Arundel County hospital, which took all necessary precautions to protect staff and patients.
Maryland Department of Health officials have notified Montana health officials, and Governor Hogan contacted Montana Governor Steve Bullock.
“Once we became aware of this case, we acted swiftly to coordinate with officials both here in Anne Arundel County and in Montana,” said Governor Hogan. “I continue to urge Marylanders to stay informed, and follow the guidance we have issued. We want to emphasize that if you are concerned about symptoms, please call your healthcare provider. We will continue to share information as it becomes available.”
Governor Bullock said in a news release: “Public health officials are working closely with Maryland to confirm case details on when this individual was last in Montana."
We do not yet know when the woman will return to Montana, and will update you when we get more information.
There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 actually in Montana. Here is the latest update from the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services as of Wednesday morning:
- Reported COVID-19 Cases in Montana: 0
- Individuals monitored by public health: 30
- - Individuals who have completed monitoring process: 26
- - Individuals who remain under monitoring: 4
- Persons tested for CoVID-19: 21
- - Persons with negative results: 21
- - Persons with positive results: 0