Caution Urged During Montana Reopening

The Ravalli County COVID-19 Incident Management Team reported no new positive tests for COVID-19 Monday as we enter Phase One of the Montana Reopening. There have been 296 tests in the Bitterroot Valley. Of those, 5 were positive and the rest were negative (including two tests this weekend). Public Health Officer Dr. Carol Calderwood said, "It can take 9 to 14 days before COVID-19 symptoms appear. We know that social distancing is the ONLY precaution against COVID-19. It is up to us. Distancing and personal health recommendations are still in place. If you don't feel comfortable, remove yourself from the situation. Remind people, nicely, they are infringing on your space." The incident management team has seen a significant reduction in phone calls and team daily updates may be reduced to only a couple of times a week.

Even with many more stores opening in Ravalli County (though not so much in Missoula County), you should continue washing your hands, disinfecting surfaces, wearing cloth face coverings in public, continue social distancing and limit social gatherings to groups of less than 10 people. However, if you are over age 65, if you have underlying medical conditions or are immuno-compromised, stay at home. If you are returning to the county from out-of-state or out of the country, you need to self-quarantine for 14 days. Questions? Call 375-6650 and check the COVID-19 pages at the Ravalli County website.