County sees spike in COVID-19 cases

The number of people testing positive for coronavirus has been increasing in Sanders County and across Montana.

As of Tuesday, Sanders County had 17 active cases of COVID-19. That brings the total positive cases since the pandemic began to more than 60 in the county. One death in Sanders County has been related to coronavirus.

The state as a whole reached 15,000 total confirmed cases this week. Tuesday set a new daily record of 506 new positive cases being recorded.

The Sanders County Commissioners released a statement last Friday announcing that an employee at the courthouse had tested positive for the virus. The commissioners said "the county is taking all necessary precautions to protect public health. Contact tracing has been initiated." As of Tuesday, the courthouse remained open. County Sanitarian Shawn Sorenson released a statement Monday after the county hit 17 active cases of COVID-19.

"Public Health staff personnel are conducting substantial contact tracing, which indicates community spread is occurring," Sorenson wrote. "Please understand that community spread means we all need to do our part to protect each other by ramping up protective measures. ... Teamwork is the name of the game, and our goal is to slow the spread of COVID-19."

Several businesses in Sanders County took extra precautions this week as the number of cases rose. Some businesses, including First Security Bank branches, have kept their lobbies closed for several weeks in an effort to help slow the spread of the virus.

Sorenson reminded businesses to keep a physical distance of at least six feet and to wear the required face masks or face coverings.

The state of Montana has been in phase two of the Reopening the Big Sky plan since June 1. With phase two, residents should avoid gatherings of more than 50 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. Restaurants, bars, breweries and casinos can operate at 75% capacity.

Under phase two, people are required to wear face masks in counties that have four or more active cases.

For the latest on COVID-19 in Sanders County, visit the Sanders County COVID-19 Facebook page or call the county COVID-19 information line at (406) 827-3951.