5 COVID-19 deaths reported in Missoula County Friday

MISSOULA – More COVID-19 related deaths are being reported in Missoula County.

The Missoula City-County Health Department (MCCHD) reports that as of 1 p.m. Friday, five additional deaths from COVID-19 had been recorded. The MCCHD notes that this is one of the highest deaths recorded in a single day. Friday’s deaths include a young adult, a middle-aged adult and three older adults.

Since early October, Missoula County has recorded 17 deaths, which is an update to figures released earlier on Friday. Last month, Missoula County recorded 19 deaths from COVID-19, according to the MCCHD.

“We are witnessing a significant loss of life in our community – it is devastating. We need to come together as a community and practice the precautions we know work to limit the spread of disease and ultimately loss of life in our community. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of all those lost to this terrible virus, ”said health worker D’Shane Barnett.

The Mayo Clinic reported Friday that Montana has one of the highest COVID-19 incidence rates in the country, just behind Alaska.

The MCCHD reported earlier on Friday that there were 59 patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 at local hospitals. In addition, 118 new cases and 2,641 active cases were reported on Friday.

“Rural communities are more affected than urban communities. It is a large part of the mission of the Department of Health to correct health disparities in our rural communities. We have a vaccination clinic scheduled for Seeley Lake on October 20 and we hope rural residents will benefit from it, ”said COVID-19 Incident Commander Cindy Farr.

Health officials continue to demand that residents receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Southgate Mall Health Department vaccination site is open seven days a week and accepts visits and appointments for patients receiving the first and second dose. Residents looking for a third or booster dose should make an appointment. Clinic hours and a link to make an appointment can be found here.

In addition, the free vaccination clinic that will be held in Seeley Lake on October 20 will run from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 3150 Montana Highway 83 and no appointment is necessary.