‘Close Contact’ Instructions Updated in Ravalli County

Ravalli County Public Health reported 33 "open cases" of COVID-19 in the valley, as of Friday, May 7. There were 23 new positive tests last week, according to Tiffany Webber of Public Health. Statewide, over the weekend, another 162 positive tests were reported Saturday and 41 new COVID-19 infections on Sunday.

So far, over 350,000 Montanans are fully immunized with one of three vaccines. Webber said that Ravalli County Public Health continues to offer Pfizer and Moderna "two-shot" vaccines at their Annex on the corner of South 3rd and State Streets in Hamilton. She said the "one-shot" Johnson & Johnson vaccine is being administered at the Public Health Office in the Ravalli County Courthouse, with entrance on Bedford. All are by appointment.

The instructions have changed for those who have been notified that they were in Close Contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. Webber said that any "close contact" person who has had COVID in the last three months or if you are fully immunized, you do not need to quarantine. She said the Close Contact instructions at the Ravalli County COVID website have been updated with the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control.

Public Health officials said that the "notice of intent" registration has been completed. However, if you signed up but haven't been contacted to schedule an inoculation, call 406 375-6672. Public Health will be offering adult and childhood vaccines by appointment only on Wednesdays, starting in June. Again, their advice is to watch your social distancing, wash your hands often and wear a mask when appropriate.