Dillon Tribune

COVID-19

Local

COVID
01/19/2022 - 12:00am
Omicron variant driving Montana’s COVID surge
The current Montana COVID surge is being driven by the ultra-transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus, public health officials stated. The last two weeks have seen nearly double the number of new COVID cases each week compared to the last...
New COVID cases spike in state, omicron variant widespread
COVID cases grow, vaccination clinics start this week
COVID cases subside, omicron appears in state
Two more Beaverhead County residents die of COVID-19
Last mass vaccination clinic this week

State

12/08/2021 - 12:00am
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations declining in state
HELENA, Mont., Dec. 4 (AP) – The number of COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations have been declining in Montana, the state health department told the governor. COVID-19 cases in the fourth week of November declined 43% from the week prior,...
Gianforte promises to fight federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate
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 

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

Governor Gianforte lifts restrictions on small businesses with new directive

HELENA – Governor Greg Gianforte issued a new directive to replace several complicated directives related to the pandemic on Jan. 13.

"Improving our response to the pandemic has been my top priority," Gianforte said. "Today, I am issuing a new directive that removes or replaces the cumbersome layers of the existing ones. These new directives are clear. They are practical. They are common sense. And they are easy to understand."

County COVID cases on an upswing

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New coronavirus cases doubled over the past week, though that may be due to delayed reporting from the holidays.

Montana VA distributing COVID-19 vaccines to rural veterans

HAVRE – Montana VA Health Care System (MTVAHCS) has been selected to lead a national VHA pilot program to bring vaccines to rural Veterans. On Jan. 21, a vaccination team will fly doses of the Moderna vaccine in special plug-in coolers from Fort Harrison’s ultracold on-site freezer to Havre. Veterans in the Havre area who are enrolled in VHA healthcare will be able to receive COVID-19 vaccines.

Gianforte changes COVID-19 priorities for vaccine distribution

HELENA – Gov. Greg Gianforte announced changes to how his administration will handle the COVID-19 pandemic Jan. 5.

Gianforte indicated his priorities are protecting the most vulnerable, promoting incentives and personal responsibility over mandates, and making directives clear and easier to understand.

Gianforte re-emphasized that confronting the virus is his "top priority as governor," announcing two changes in COVID-19 policy.

Area COVID vaccinations begin, new cases decline

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New coronavirus cases continued a downward trend this week as local public health officials began vaccinating against the disease.

As of Tuesday, Beaverhead County tallied 18 new cases for the week, with 20 of those considered “active,” according to state of Montana data. There have been 781 total cases in the county since the start of the pandemic.

This week’s new cases were mostly from residents in their teens (4), followed by those in their 20s (3).

Former Gov. Bullock Releases Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Plan

HELENA – Former Gov. Steve Bullock announced Dec. 30 an updated statewide COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan that incorporates new federal recommendations for allocation to critical groups in Montana and an estimated timeline. 

New county COVID case pace slows

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Beaverhead County’s upward climb of new coronavirus cases may have reached a plateau, with local health officials expressing cautious optimism over declining daily cases.

Eighth resident dies of COVID-19, county over 700 cases

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An eighth Beaverhead County resident died of COVID-19 last week, according to state of Montana data. The resident’s age and gender have not yet been announced by local public health officials.

Crisis care guidance endorsed by governor

HELENA – Crisis care guidance developed by a working group that includes medical providers, medical ethicists, disability representatives, emergency preparedness planners and hospital administrators was endorsed by Gov. Steve Bullock Dec. 22.

Second week vaccine plan announced

HELENA – Health care workers at rural hospitals and staff and residents at long-term care facilities will be the next in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. Steve Bullock announced Dec. 18.

The state's vaccine allocation amounts through the end of the year were reduced approximately 20 percent – from 60,000 down to 48,000 – by the federal government, Bullock added.