Active cases in county increase to 35

Health officials reported two new cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County as of July 15, bringing the total number of active cases to 35.

The two patients, a man and woman, are in their 60s, authorities said. Neither case is linked to any previously known cases and not thought to originate from out-of-county travel.

Contact tracing efforts are underway, officials said.

While officials reported no new cases the day prior, the county saw seven confirmations on July 13. The patients were described as four men and three women. Two were under the age of 20, two were in their 20s and three were in their 50s.

Six of the individuals were symptomatic. One was either an asymptomatic individual or not yet showing symptom of COVID-19.

Three of the patients were linked to the cluster of cases health officials identified last week. Two others were thought to have contracted the virus while traveling out of state. Another two were not connected to any ongoing cases.

For the first time, officials released more detailed information about where the cases were located. While the information was not updated for the new cases announced July 15, as of July 13 there were 28 active cases in Libby and five in north Lincoln County.

Authorities urge anyone with questions regarding COVID-19 to contact the county’s hotline at 406-293-6295. The line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For questions regarding COVID-19 testing, residents are encouraged to contact the Center for Asbestos Related Disease clinic, which took over the effort on behalf of the county earlier this month, at 406-293-9274 ext. 136.