IHS Reports Active Cases Down, 25 Deaths

As of Monday, Nov. 2, Roosevelt County had 68 current active cases of COVID-19. A total of cases with 30 deaths have been reported. There were two new positive cases in the county.

As of Tuesday, Nov. 3, there were 69 active cases of COVID-19 in Indian Health Service-eligible persons living on the Fort Peck Reservation. Twenty-five tribally enrolled members have died from COVID-19-related causes.

According to the McCone County Health Department on Tuesday, Nov. 3, that county has eight active cases. Mc-Cone has 60 recovered cases, no total deaths and 68 total cases in county, A total of 21 contacts are being monitored.

As of Monday, Nov. 2, Valley County’s active count was 57, with 338 cases listed as recovered. Valley County reported five deaths due to COVID-19 and/or complications.

Daniels County had 23 active cases as of Monday, Nov. 2. The county has 25 recovered cases and 51 cumulative cases. Three deaths have occurred due to COVID-19 and/ or complications. There are no cases currently hospitalized.

As of Monday, Nov. 2, the Phillips County Health Department was reporting 37 active cases. One hundred fifty-six cases are listed as recovered. There are two active hospitalizations. There has been one death.

For Richland County, there are 65 active cases and 350 recovered cases as of Tuesday, Nov. 3. Total deaths are six. There have been 409 total cases in the county. More than 150 contacts are being monitored.

Statewide According to Montana health officials, a total of 508,931 tests have been conducted statewide since the start of the pandemic.

The state’s total number of known cases now stands at 34,252 since the start of the pandemic.

Around the state, there are 12,370 active cases. There’s been a total of 1,373 hospitalizations with 386 active hospitalizations.

By Tuesday, Nov. 3, 386 deaths have been reported statewide. A total of 21,496 people are listed as recovered.

The governor’s July 15 directive for counties with four or more active cases requires face masking in any indoor space, open to the public, is mandatory for people ages five years and older. For children 2-4 years of age, face coverings are strongly encouraged. A drape may be used for babies.

County sheriffs and other law enforcement across the state have said that the mask mandate is not enforceable and violations should not be called into 911.

Area Schools

Local health officials approved the Wolf Point School District to reopen four days a week (Plan A) starting Monday, Nov. 2. Classes began on that day for Wolf Point High School, Wolf Point Junior High School and Northside Elementary Schools, but not at Southside Elementary due to virus cases.

The Frontier Elementary School returned to classes for grades K-2 on Tuesday, Oct. 20, and grades 3-4 returned to classes on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Grades 5-8 will continue distance learning.

The Frazer School returned to in-class instruction Oct. 5. Parents had until Nov. 4 to opt-out for the second quarter of instruction.

Brockton School had students return to classes on Monday, Oct. 19. At press time on Nov. 3, there were two students listed as opt-out.

Poplar High School students returned to classes on Monday, Nov. 2, with the option of staying remote. Students in middle school and elementary are still distance learning.

Fort Peck Tribes

The Fort Peck Tribes moved to Phase 1 Tuesday, Sept. 29. Phase 1 puts non-essential employees and residents on the reservation under stay at home orders and limits gatherings to 10 people or fewer. All households are being asked to maintain 6 feet distance, wear masks and sanitize. COVID-19 & Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing response have brought many changes to our lives. Across the world, reports are coming in on how this pandemic affects mental health. These effects include increased stress, fear, anxiety and worry. The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Montana, among many others, have begun providing guidance and materials on how to cope with the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. From healthcare workers to caregivers to children to individuals in isolation, COVID-19 is affecting everyone, including residents of Roosevelt County. Unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as increased tobacco or alcohol use, can put yourself and those around you at increased risk.

Below are some helpful ways to cope with increased stress:

•Know what to do if you are sick or need treatment

•Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news

•Learn the facts about COVID-19 and help stop the spread of rumors

•Partake in your favorite (socially-distanced) physical activity

•Take time to unwind, do activities you enjoy or try something new like meditation •Connect with others in a socially-distant, safe way. Try some virtual connections!

•Get plenty of sleep •Eat healthy meals

•Try Thrive, a the free emotional health program for adults in Montana: https:// thriveformontana.com/ If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, seek immediate help: Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255, the Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting “MT” to 741-741, Eastern Montana Mental Health Center Toll Free Crisis Phone Line: 800-597-6608, or call 911.If you or a loved one are experiencing a substance use issue, reach out to the following for help: SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357) and TTY 800-487-4889, Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center 653-1872.

For more information, visit the RCHD Facebook page or covid19.mt.gov or the CDC’s Coping with Stress page, https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/ daily-life-coping /managing- stress-anxiety.html.

Testing

COVID-19 testing continues to be available from your healthcare provider, as well as at both IHS locations. Roosevelt County Unified Command Residents on quarantine needing assistance with supplies can call 525-5020 and leave a message detailing assistance requested. Also, people can report others who are not quarantining by calling that number.

If you have questions about COVID-19, use the newly established Joint Information email: covid19taskforce@rooseveltcounty. org.