HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Hill County Health Board met virtually on Friday afternoon to provide a COVID-19 update.
Health Officer Kim Larson says they continue to recommend people wear face coverings in public despite the statewide mask mandate expiring, and added that local businesses can enforce their own mask requirements.
“We’ve gotten a lot of phone calls and emails from local businesses and schools asking for guidance,” Larson said. “They can enforce it in their own business.”
Commissioner Mark Peterson said he is proud of how the county has managed to keep COVID-19 case numbers down as of late, and encourages everyone to continue buying into public health guidelines and recommendations.
“We’ve made tremendous headway at getting our numbers down. A lot of that is just being safe, (wearing) masks, (using hand) sanitizer, washing our hands. All the simple little things that don’t cost a lot. We would just ask the public to continue doing that. We’ll have a meeting toward the end of next week. We may have some more guidance at that point. But for right now, please be safe, wear a mask, sanitize, wash your hands, and social distance.”
As of Friday morning 2,869 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered to Hill County residents. 509 County residents have already received the second dose and are considered fully immunized.
There are currently around 250 people who are eligible for Phase 1A or 1B of vaccine distribution that remain on the waiting list.
As for case numbers, as of Thursday evening, Hill County has reported 1,858 total COVID-19 cases. 23 are active, including three hospitalizations. 1,795 people are considered recovered and 40 have suffered COVID-related deaths. There are 122 people currently in quarantine and being monitored by the Health Department after being identified as close contacts to known cases.
A special health board meeting will be held on February 18th at 3:30 PM to determine whether Hill County will issue a mask requirement or other new guidelines. It will be held at the Health Department, with an option to attend virtually.
The next virtual COVID-19 update is scheduled for 1 PM on February 26th.
