Two reports for you on this Sunday, October 11. The mid-morning Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services report showed an addition of 585 positive tests, making a statewide active case total of 7,131, with 286 people hospitalized. Meanwhile the Ravalli County Public Health Director Tiffany Webber said the department was busy contact tracing on 24 new cases reported Saturday, October 10. They'll have more information on the individual cases later, but have started a new information page on the official Ravalli County website that details general information on what you need to know about being a "close contact" to a positively tested person. Following the instructions may save you a call to public health, but if you do need more information, the Ravalli County phone number is 375-6672.

Turning to the Montana Sunday report, the 585 new positive cases were, by county: Yellowstone County - 99, Flathead 92, Glacier 44, Toole 43, Gallatin 39, Hill 29, Blaine 28, Valley 22, Deer Lodge 21, Lewis and Clark 18, Big Horn 17, Lake 16, Lincoln 11, Park 11, Richland 10, Beaverhead 9, Dawson 8, Fergus 8, Granite 8, Musselshell 7, Roosevelt 5, Carbon 4, Custer 4, McCone 4, Powder River 4, Silver Bow 3. There were two cases each in Broadwater, Meagher, Phillips, Powell and Sheridan counties and one case each in Liberty, Pondera, Teton and Wibaux Counties.

The recommendations from public health remain the same - wash your hands often during the day, wear a mask in public, and watch your social distancing - both indoors and outside. The COVID-19 cases have been infecting people of all ages. Recently, schools have been adjusting operating rules due to positive test results in both student and staff populations. And There is a shortage of substitute teachers throughout Montana. If you have at least a high school diploma, you might be able to help. Contact your local school district for more information and a registration form.

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