HARDIN - Big Horn County health officials reported Tuesday the 22nd death of a county resident due to complications from COVID-19.
The death involved a man in his 70s who was hospitalized prior to his death, according to a press release.
Earlier Tuesday, state health officials reported Big Horn County added 25 new cases during the previous 24-hour reporting period. Big Horn County has had a cumulative total of 857 cases of the virus, and there are currently 134 active cases.
RELATED: Montana reports 3 additional deaths, 275 new COVID-19 cases (Tuesday, Sept. 22)
The press release states:
The Big Horn County COVID-19 Response Unified Coalition offers our sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and the entire community of Big Horn County for his tragic loss.
The County asks all residents to please continue stay home more often and to avoid events or gatherings. Also, the Board of County Commissioners and Board of Public Health ask everyone to wear a mask and social distance when outside of their homes and in public. Masks are required when engaged in indoor activities, such as shopping. Masks are not necessary in the event that residents are outdoors and unlikely to come within six (6) feet of other people, such as while taking advantage of our beautiful county, to work, recreate, or exercise.
Tracking down contacts to a positive case (contact tracing) is one of the best tools public health can use to slow the spread of the virus. If you believe you were in the presence of a recently confirmed COVID-19 case for more than five (5) minutes, please call public health so that a nurse may interview you and determine what level of exposure you have:
· IHS Public Health Nursing: (406) 638-3478
· Big Horn County Public Health: (406) 665-8720