There were 355 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in Montana on Friday, and the statewide death toll since the pandemic began reached 1,323, according to data compiled by MTN News during the previous 24 hours.
The number of active cases in the state is currently 3,409 according to MTN News, and there has been a cumulative total of 95,810 cases of the virus in Montana. Of the total cases, 91,078 have recovered.
There are currently 102 people hospitalized for treatment of the virus, and the cumulative number of hospitalizations is 4,341.
The number of tests performed in the state has reached 981,178, an increase of 6,455 during the previous 24-hour reporting period.
The number of Montanans who have received at least one of the two vaccine shots is 130,839, and the number of Montanans who have received both shots and are now fully vaccinated is 35,515.
The numbers reported by MTN reflect the latest data from the Montana COVID website, along with supplemental data received from county health departments.
The Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services launched a new feature on Jan. 25 on the state COVID website to report the number of vaccinations administered.
Gov. Greg Gianforte announced on Jan. 19 that Montana had entered into Phase 1B of the state's COVID-19 vaccination plan.
DATA SOURCES: The numbers reported above reflect the latest data from the official Montana COVID website as well as updated information from county health departments. MTN News uses state data and county data to provide more accurate and timely information. As a result, numbers reported by MTN do not align with the DPHHS figures. Visit the state site for county-specific data.
CONTEXT: Not every person who tests positive actually becomes ill or exhibits symptoms. Many do not; of those who do become sick, some experience mild symptoms and do not require hospitalization. Others experience more severe symptoms, and some do require hospitalization. Every person who tests positive for COVID, however, has the potential to spread the virus to other people, including family members and friends, which is why public health officials continue to encourage everyone to wear a mask and maintain at least the recommended six feet of "social distance" when in public. The CDC released data in late August which emphasizes that people with contributing or chronic medical conditions are at much greater risk of dying from COVID-19. Click here to read more.