BILLINGS — Additional COVID-19 related deaths have been confirmed in Yellowstone County.
RiverStone Health is reporting the death of three Yellowstone County residents from COVID-19 related illness.
On Dec. 30, a woman in her 80s died at a Billings hospital. On Dec. 31, a woman in her 70s died at a Billings hospital. Also on Dec. 31, a man in his 80s died at a local long-term care facility.
A total of 165 Yellowstone County people have died of COVID-related illness, according to RiverStone Health records. Thirty of those deaths have occurred during the month of December.
“I hope that the families of these three latest victims of the pandemic will be comforted by compassionate friends and neighbors,” said John Felton, Yellowstone County public health officer and RiverStone Health CEO.
“Our community needs to pull together to slow the spread of this virus. While we await the arrival of safe, effective vaccines for everyone, let’s resolve to take care of each other by continuing the precautions proven to reduce risk of illness," Felton added.
RiverStone Health offers the following advice to help stem the spread of COVID-19:
- Wear a mask in public and whenever you are with a person who doesn’t live with you.
- Keep your distance of at least 6 feet from others who don’t live with you.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
- Stay home if you are ill.
At least 14,060 Yellowstone County residents have been infected with COVID-19 to date, according to RiverStone Health records.
More information on the pandemic, including updated Yellowstone County statistics, can be found here.