Rising cases

Madison County now has more active COVID-19 cases then it did before the statewide lockdown.

As of July 7, Madison County has 11 active cases. This does not account for the three out-of-staters who have tested positive and are isolating in Madison County, according to the Madison County Public Health Department Nurse Melissa Brummel. Another 48 Madison County residents are quarantining and unable to go to work because they have been in close contact with a known COVID-19 case.

“If people follow the 6 feet rule,” Brummel said. “We can really decrease the amount of people who are in quarantine and out of a job.”

Statewide, active cases are approaching 600 with 80 new cases confirmed July 7. A combination of reasons explains the increasing COVID-19 cases in Montana. Testing is more readily available, Montana’s tourist season is attracting visitors and some Montanan’s have grown complacent.

Most of Madison County’s active cases are under the age of 60. But two Madison County residents who test positive for COVID-19 are in their 60s, which increases their chances of developing a life-threatening case of the virus. Many of these cases were detected through MCPHD’s contact tracing, after individuals came into close contact with a known person infected with COVID-19.

“You’re not in close contact if you’re 6 feet apart,” Brummel said.