Death reported in care facility tied to COVID-19 outbreak

On Saturday, the Flathead City-County Health Department confirmed a person living in a long-term care facility has died due to COVID-19.

This is the first death reported in the care facility, which has been linked to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Flathead County.

The health department is working closely with the facility to prevent further transmission of the virus. All cases have been isolated and all close contacts have been notified directly by health department staff according to a press release.

“We must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Flathead City-County Health Department interim Health Officer Tamalee St. James Robinson. “We all have an important role to play in protecting our most vulnerable community members.”

The health department stated it will not release the name of the person or facility at this time due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths recorded in Flathead County to four. As of Tuesday, there are 115 active cases.