Dillon Tribune

COVID-19

Local

COVID
09/22/2021 - 12:00am
Beaverhead County COVID case surge worsens, kindergarten classes canceled this week
The ongoing COVID-19 case surge in Beaverhead County prompted Dillon Elementary officials to close kindergarten this week, which public health officials attributed to large social events and school openings. School District #10 Superintendent Randy...
14th Beaverhead COVID-19 death recorded, case spike grows
New county COVID-19 cases spike, BCHS student infected
DPHHS: Parents should make mask decisions for children
County records 13th COVID-19 death amid new case spike
State case climb continues, outbreaks worsen

State

09/15/2021 - 12:00am
Gianforte promises to fight federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate
HELENA, Mont., Sept. 9 (AP) – Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte on Thursday said a new federal coronavirus vaccination mandate that could affect as many as 100 million Americans is ``unlawful and un-American.'' The Republican said in a Tweet that he is “...
Montana and Alberta announce vaccination program for Alberta truckers 
Gianforte signs bill expanding telehealth
Gianforte Issues Executive Order Prohibiting Vaccine Passports
Emergency Rent, Utility Assistance Available for Montanans Financially Impacted by COVID-19 
Vaccine administration barriers in pharmacies reduced

Nation

05/19/2020 - 12:52pm
Telehealth providers awarded $260,000 in COVID-19 grants
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $264,651 in grants to Montana organizations to increase telehealth capabilities in response to the coronavirus...
FBI warns of coronavirus scams
IRS creates web tool for non-filers to get economic impact payments
UPDATED: USDA institutes measures to help rural communities, businesses affected by COVID-19
IRS takes steps to provide taxpayer relief related to coronavirus
President extends 'slow the spread' campaign to end of April

New crisis counseling hotline funded by $1.6 million federal grant

HELENA – A new crisis counseling hotline funded by a $1.6 million federal grant is now available to aid Montanans struggling with their mental health due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Gov. Steve Bullock announced the hotline Dec. 1.

Additional funding for K-12 schools for COVID-19 safety measures announced

MONTANA – The state's coronavirus relief funds have been redistributed to provide additional funding for K-12 schools to cover remaining expenses incurred due to COVID-19 through Dec. 30, Gov. Steve Bullock announced Nov. 25.

County COVID cases exceed 500

Beaverhead passed another coronavirus milestone Friday, surpassing 500 positive cases countywide.

Health board, public discuss local COVID case rise

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A wide-ranging hours-long Beaverhead County-City Board of Health meeting Monday outlined an explosion of coronavirus positive cases in the community and how it is affecting health care officials.

City may jump off city-county health board

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In what often seemed like something akin to a nasty divorce proceeding, the Dillon City Council during its regular meeting last week considered the city government’s long relationship with the Beaverhead County-City Health Board and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has strained that bond.

Contracted medical staff supporting Montana hospitals

HELENA – Over 100 contracted medical staff nationwide are deployed in Montana to assist hospitals with responding to COVID-19 and filling in for healthcare worker shortages due to coronavirus quarantine or isolation.

Unemployed Montanans to receive additional $200 payment

HELENA – Unemployed Montanans will be able to claim an additional $200 weekly payment through coronavirus relief funds.

Gov. Steve Bullock announced the launch of the Interim Pandemic Assistance program Nov. 19, funded through the state's remaining coronavirus relief funds. It directs the state Department of Labor and Industry to issue the extra payment to unemployed Montanans impacted by COVID-19.

Bullock issues mask mandate, reduced group sizes to combat COVID-19 case increase

HELENA – Gov. Steve Bullock announced Nov. 17 new public health measures to limit capacity in bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and casinos, to limit public gatherings to 25 individuals where social distancing is not possible, and to require face coverings in all counties regardless of case count beginning on Friday, Nov. 20 to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Montana.

Nurse talks about highs, lows of working on a COVID floor

GREAT FALLS, Nov. 9 (AP) – Phones are always ringing.

Patients who need help are pushing call lights.

Families are calling looking for updates.

Nurses working 12-hour shifts, sweating and dehydrated wearing personal protection equipment, sometimes break down in tears.

Patients are recovering. Some aren’t as lucky and never leave, dying as they gasp for breath.

Beds are quickly filled by more patients waiting in the wings.

Gov. issues statewide mask mandate

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Beaverhead County added more than 120 new COVID-19 cases in the past week, joining an explosion of cases statewide.

The growth in new cases and deaths statewide the past few weeks prompted Gov. Steve Bullock to institute a statewide mask mandate – regardless of active case counts – starting Friday, Nov. 20.