Are you curious about the current state of COVID-19 in Montana? The “Big Sky State” has seen its fair share of the pandemic’s impact, but what do the numbers tell us?
We’ll take a deep dive into Montana’s COVID-19 data, from hospitalizations and deaths to vaccination rates. Why is this important? Well, understanding the data allows us to make informed decisions about our health and the well-being of our communities.
So, how are Montana’s COVID-19 numbers faring? Are hospitalizations on the rise? How effective have vaccination efforts been? We’ll answer these questions and more.
- Related article: Tips and Tricks for Traveling Montana
The goal? To provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date information so you can stay informed, make smart choices, and help keep Montana safe.
7 Key Takeaways on Montana COVID Numbers
- Montana’s COVID-19 hospitalizations rose by 15.2% as of January 1, 2024, marking the third consecutive week of increases.
- Vaccination rates in Montana are promising, with 59% of the population fully vaccinated, but there are variations by county.
- Official sources like the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and the CDC COVID Data Tracker provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Vaccination remains crucial in controlling the pandemic, especially with the emergence of new variants like Omicron.
- Hospitalization data offers a clearer picture of the virus’s impact on communities compared to case numbers alone.
- Boosters and bivalent boosters are now available in Montana to further fortify immunity.
- Regular updates and well-informed choices are key to ensuring public health safety in Montana.
Current Hospitalizations in Montana
Montana’s COVID-19 hospitalizations rose by 15.2% as of January 1, 2024. During the week ending December 16, there were 116 fresh COVID-19 hospitalizations, marking the third consecutive week of increases. The week before that saw a 9.6% rise in new hospitalizations.
Now, why is this important? Well, tracking COVID-19 hospitalizations offers a crucial perspective on the severity of the virus’s impact. While case numbers alone provide a snapshot, hospitalization data gives us a clearer picture of how the virus is affecting our communities.
To stay informed, you can regularly check the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services website or the COVID Act Now website. These sources offer up-to-date COVID-19 data, including hospitalization figures.
Remember, as with any data, these numbers are subject to change as new information becomes available.
Reported Hospitalizations, Deaths, and Other Trends by County
When it comes to COVID-19, the numbers can be both sobering and enlightening. Let’s take a closer look at Montana’s COVID-19 data, specifically the reported hospitalizations, deaths, and other trends, broken down by county.
The table below offers a snapshot of the situation, highlighting the highest number of COVID-related hospitalizations per 100,000 residents over the last seven days.
| County | Daily Avg. Admissions per 100,000 | 14-Day Change | Weekly Deaths per 100,000 (Dec. 10 – 16) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 18 | +9% | 6 |
| Sheridan | <1 | — | 0.6 |
| Daniels | <1 | — | 0.6 |
| Valley | 1 | -60% | 7.3 |
| Richland | <1 | — | 5.1 |
| McCone | <1 | -33% | 4.8 |
| Petroleum | <1 | — | 4.5 |
| Golden Valley | 9 | +43% | 4.3 |
| Musselshell | 9 | +43% | 4.3 |
| Stillwater | 9 | +43% | 4.3 |
| Treasure | 9 | +43% | 4.3 |
It’s important to note that hospitalization figures early in the pandemic are undercounted due to incomplete reporting by hospitals to the federal government. As for COVID-19 deaths, the figures provided are from the most recent dates with substantial data.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on reported COVID-19 patients, hospitalizations, deaths, and other trends by county in Montana, I recommend referring to official sources such as the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and the CDC COVID Data Tracker.
Similarly, dips and spikes could be due to inconsistent reporting by hospitals. Understanding these numbers can help us make well-informed choices and take the necessary precautions to keep ourselves and our communities safe. Having a grasp of Montana’s Coronavirus testing procedures helps you navigate the Treasure State’s post-pandemic landscape.
Vaccination Trends in Montana
The numbers are in, and they’re promising: Montana has fully vaccinated a whopping 59% of its population, translating to 633,531 individuals who are now considered fully protected. The rise in vaccinations has been a game-changer, helping to curb the spread of COVID-19 and save lives across the state.
Here’s a closer look at the vaccination rate figures across different counties:
- Blaine County takes the lead with an impressive 90% vaccination rate.
- Deer Lodge County has the lowest with a 60% vaccination rate. It’s worth noting that this is still above the national average, but there’s room for improvement.
As the vaccination campaign has progressed, so have the options. Montana, like many other states, has introduced booster shots to further fortify immunity.
These boosters are particularly crucial in the face of emerging variants like Omicron. To offer even more protection, bivalent boosters that guard against multiple strains are now on the table.
If you’re in Montana and haven’t yet rolled up your sleeve, you’re in luck. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has made it easy to access COVID-19 vaccine availability information, with a breakdown by county.
So, if you’re part of the 41% who haven’t yet joined the fully vaccinated club, consider this your invitation to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
Vaccination Rates by County
As we dig into the vaccination rate figures, it’s clear that Montanans are taking their health seriously. The data showcases a promising rise in complete vaccinations across the state. But let’s zoom in further, county by county, to see how each community is faring.
Here’s a snapshot of the vaccination metrics from a few key counties:
| County | Fully Vaccinated | Partially Vaccinated | First Booster | Second Booster | Third Booster | Fourth Booster |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hill | 75% | 34% | — | — | — | 55% |
| Missoula | 67% | 23% | — | — | — | 61% |
| Blaine | 90% | 20% | — | — | — | 50% |
| Rosebud | 88% | 20% | — | — | — | 51% |
| Silver Bow | 63% | 20% | — | — | — | 55% |
| Glacier | 90% | 20% | — | — | — | 54% |
| Lewis and Clark | 63% | 19% | — | — | — | 47% |
| Park | 62% | 19% | — | — | — | 38% |
| Deer Lodge | 60% | 19% | — | — | — | 48% |
| Roosevelt | 89% | 18% | — | — | — | 56% |
| Montana (Total) | 59% | 16% | 4% | 6% | 12% | 42% |
As you can see, Montana as a whole is on a positive trajectory, with a total vaccination rate of 59% and 16% partially vaccinated. These figures reflect a state that’s taking the pandemic seriously and working together to quell its impact.
If you’re planning a trip within Montana, these county-specific vaccination rates can help inform your decisions. For a more detailed breakdown, check out the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services website.
Remember, vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have to combat COVID-19. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, it’s always a good idea to stay informed and prioritize your health.
Montana’s COVID Numbers Final Thoughts
In exploring Montana’s COVID-19 data, key points emerge, guiding both understanding and action. While delving into various figures, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and the CDC COVID Data Tracker are go-to sources for the most current and detailed data.
Vaccination rates reveal a diverse landscape, with a 59% complete vaccination rate for the state, but variations among counties. Efforts address this through primary, booster, and bivalent booster shots against new variants.
The significance of vaccination in controlling the pandemic cannot be emphasized enough. Areas with lower coverage, like Deer Lodge County, urgently require increased efforts. Vaccination remains our most potent tool.
Despite certain figures showing a decline, fluctuations in hospitalization rates persist. This underscores the critical need for intensified vaccination campaigns, particularly in regions with lower coverage.
Staying informed amid the evolving COVID-19 situation is paramount. Change is constant, emphasizing the necessity for regular updates and informed decision-making for public health safety.
Montana’s COVID-19 data offers hope and a reality check. The roadmap ahead is clear: vaccination is pivotal, staying informed is imperative, and collective responsibility is key to safeguarding Montana’s safety and keeping the state open.
Montana’s COVID Numbers FAQs
1. What Strain of COVID-19 in Montana?
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services provides information on COVID-19 variants in the state. According to the data available, the following variants have been detected in Montana:
- Omicron BA.2 – 36% of sequences reported
- Omicron BA.2.12.1 – 53% of sequences reported
- Omicron BA.4 – 5% of sequences reported
- Omicron BA.5 – 5% of sequences reported
- BA.1 – 1% of sequences reported
2. Can You Still Get the COVID Virus?
The pandemic is still a global concern, and COVID-19 cases were likely present in various regions, including Montana.
However, the situation can change rapidly due to new variants, vaccination rates, and public health measures.
3. What are the first signs of COVID?
The initial symptoms of COVID-19 can vary but commonly include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Other early signs may include fatigue, muscle or body aches, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, congestion, or a runny nose.
It’s essential to monitor for these symptoms, especially if you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
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