The Missoula City-County Health Department (MCCHD) on Thursday morning reported 22 additional COVID-19 cases since the Wednesday update.
There are currently 474 active cases in Missoula County with more than 1,280 close contacts.
Overall, local public health officials are reporting 1,503 cumulative cases. There have been 1,024 recoveries and five COVID-19 related deaths to date.
Nineteen people are hospitalized in Missoula County including 12 county residents.
MCCHD notes that the increasing number of cases, along with increased hospitalizations, indicates that extra pressure on the overall capacity of the local healthcare infrastructure is being seen.
Five of Thursday's newly reported cases -- as well as 71 active cases -- are related to the University of Montana.
Missoula County residents can call 406-258-INFO weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss COVID-19 information.
MCCHD has a new website solely focused on COVID-19 information which can be found here.
MCCHD is urging people to continue practicing health and safety behaviors:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
- Keep at least 6 feet of safe space between you and others as the environment permits.
- Wear a face covering that's fully sealed around your nose and mouth.
- Remember that physical spacing does not replace face coverings - these are tools to be used together for maximum efficacy and safety.
Missoula became the first major city in Montana to require the wearing of face coverings on July 9.
*the Missoula City-County Health Department may be alerted to additional cases before the Montana Department of Health and Human Services.
