Montana reports record 145 new virus cases, 37 hospitalized

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana reported a record 145 additional coronavirus cases on Wednesday, including 72 in Gallatin County, state officials said.

Yellowstone County reported another 27 cases bringing the state’s number of known cases to 2,096. The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested.

Gallatin County's 72 cases reported Wednesday are the state's confirmation of several days worth of test results, said county spokesperson Whitney Bermes. Thirty-nine of the most recent cases involve people in their 20s. Gallatin County has 144 residents who are known to still be infected, Bermes said.

The new reported cases are coming from all over the county and are related to contacts with known cases, community spread and travel, Bermes said.

Yellowstone County has nearly 400 people known to be infected, according to state data.

Thirty-seven people are hospitalized in Montana, up from 29 known hospitalizations on Tuesday. Thirty-four people have died, including 15 who had been residents of long-term care or assisted living facilities.

The Gallatin County health board is scheduled to consider a mask mandate at a meeting Friday. The Whitefish City Council passed an emergency ordinance on Tuesday requiring the use of face coverings in public spaces. Missoula County requires masks to be worn in public, indoor spaces such as restaurants, offices, and buses.

Gov. Bullock planned a press conference Wednesday afternoon with an update on masks, testing capabilities, the increase in newly confirmed virus cases and resources for schools looking to reopen.

Twelve of Montana's counties haven't reported any virus cases and nine others that have had cases currently have no one who is known to be still infected, state data shows.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.

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This story has been corrected to show Gallatin County is reporting that 144 residents are known to be infected. The state had reported 242.