First COVID-19 death reported in Montana

Montana recorded its first coronavirus-related death on Thursday, according to Gov. Steve Bullock’s Office.

County public health officials were in the process of contacting family members Thursday night, and no additional information was provided about the patient.

“I’m heartbroken to learn of Montana’s first death due to COVID-19,” Bullock said in a media release. “Especially during these times, Montana truly is one big small town – this news hits us hard, but we’re in this together. My family and I send our love and support to the family, friends, and community of our fellow Montanan.”

The announcement of Montana’s first coronavirus-related death came shortly after Bullock issued a stay-at-home order on Thursday evening that temporarily closes all nonessential businesses and operations to curtail the spread of COVID-19. The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 28, and will be in effect through Friday, April 10.

As of Thursday, Montana had 90 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Five are in Flathead County, including a new case announced Thursday involving a woman in her 50s.