COVID-19 Task Force Meets To Address Multiple Outbreaks Of Virus In County
On Monday, Oct. 12, the Roosevelt County COVID-19 Task Force met again as they continue to provide coordinated guidance for the region’s COVID-19 response. The task force consists of representatives from key healthcare institutions across the county and Fort Peck Tribes.
Roosevelt County Health Department posts daily updates on COVID numbers. Please note that the discrepancy between the county and state numbers are due to lags in reporting on the statewide Montana database.
The numbers provided by the county are currently the most accurate for Roosevelt County, including the Fort Peck Tribes.
It is not possible to report the number of currently hospitalized county residents as all residents needing hospitalization are transferred out of the county. This can include transfers outside of the state of Montana due to the current lack of adequate hospital beds across the state.
At this time, there are multiple outbreaks of COVID-19 in Roosevelt County directly related to certain facilities and communities. These outbreaks are being jointly managed by health officials and the Roosevelt County COVID-19 Task Force.
In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the public is encouraged to conduct business online, by telephone or by fax. Please continue to follow the governor’s directive by maintaining social distance, practicing proper hand hygiene, wearing a mask and staying at home if you have any symptoms related to COVID-19. COVID-19 symptoms can include cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and a new loss of taste or smell.
Per the governor’s July 15 directive, since Roosevelt County has four or more active COVID cases, face masks are mandatory in any indoor space, open to the public, for people ages 5 years and older. For children 2-4 years of age, face coverings are strongly encouraged. A drape may be used for babies.
Call ahead to a health care professional if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19. All positive cases will be required to isolate and all close contacts will be required to quarantine. These are official public health orders and are enforceable by law.
If you are concerned about residents of local nursing homes, please contact the nursing homes directly to find out if visitors are allowed or to obtain more information on their specific COVID-19 situations.
Roosevelt County Senior Centers remain closed until further notice. Senior meals are available on usual days at each center for pick-up. Roosevelt County Health Department is open. Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center is open and can be reached at 653-1872 to set up an appointment. Other Roosevelt County buildings are open.
IHS is open at both Wolf Point and Poplar (Chief Redstone and Verne E. Gibbs). IHS is conducting COVID testing at the Poplar IHS Monday through Friday 1 to 2 p.m., Wolf Point IHS Monday through Thursday 1 to 2 p.m. and Friday 9 to 10 a.m.
For more information please visit the RCHD Facebook page or visit the state COVID-19 website at covid19.mt.gov.
The Roosevelt County Task Force is available to answer your questions. Please reach out to us via the RCHD Facebook page, email covid19taskforce@rooseveltcounty. org.
