COVID-19 cases in Billings 'more than we can accommodate,' health officer says

Due to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Yellowstone County, local public health officials announced Monday that new restrictions could be imposed soon.

In September, Yellowstone County recorded its highest number of new COVID-19 cases, its highest number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Billings, and 22 COVID-19-related deaths, according to county public health officer John Felton during a press conference Monday afternoon.

If the new COVID-19 infection rate is 40 cases per 100,000 people or higher for the week ending Oct. 31, the local public health department will issue a new order that will take effect Nov. 2, Felton said. For the past three weeks, daily infection rates have averaged 31, 32, and 36 new COVID-19 infections per 100,000 population per day.

However, if Yellowstone County reports 50 cases or more per 100,000 people during a week prior to Oct. 31, then the restrictions will go into effect immediately.

Read more: https://helenair.com/news/state-and-regional/covid-19-cases-in-billings-more-than-we-can-accommodate-health-officer-says/article_d19817d3-1082-5984-9d8c-4f1846e849d7.html
(Helena Independent Record)