BOZEMAN, Mont. – The 7-Day average of positive COVID cases has steadily been trending down since mid-November in Gallatin County. On November 17, the 7-Day average of positive cases was 186. On December 9, the average was down to 79 positive cases.
Despite this good news, the Gallatin City-County Health Department announced on Thursday five more deaths related to COVID-19 here in the Bozeman area. All the deaths were residents over the age of 70.
All the death certificates related to these five individuals showed they died with COVID and other health issues.
The people were:
- a man in his 70s who died in a long-term care facility the week of Nov. 15
- a man in his 70s who died at home the week of Nov. 22
- a man in his 80s who died at home the week of Nov. 29
- a man in his 70s who died in a hospital the week of Nov. 29
- a man in his 90s who died in a long-term care facility the week of Nov. 29
“The Health Department is very saddened and sends our condolences to these men’s families and friends,” said Matt Kelley, Gallatin City-County Health Department Health Officer. “We urge citizens to continue following the tried-and-true methods to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Stay home when you’re sick. Avoid crowds. Keep your distance from others. Wear face coverings. Wash your hands. These simple measures will save lives.”
Out of respect for the families, the health department said no further details would be released.
This makes 30 people now in Gallatin County who have died with COVID-19. According to data provided by the county health department, no one in Gallatin County under the age of 50 has died with the coronavirus.
We currently have 23 people hospitalized at Bozeman Deaconess due to COVID-19. The COVID-19 Hospital Occupancy and Capacity in Montana Report shows that there are 16 available beds.
