County records ninth coronavirus death

Local health officials reported a new coronavirus-related death Friday evening.

Few additional details about the individual or the circumstances of death were immediately available. The death marks the county’s ninth virus-related fatality since the pandemic began earlier this year.

The nation as a whole recently passed the quarter million mark in deaths attributed to the illness.

Local fatalities increased by three last week alone as cases continue to mount in Lincoln County. Health officials reported the region’s seventh death on Nov. 16, eighth on Nov. 17 and ninth on Nov. 20.

Active cases now number 249 in the county. Across the Montana, authorities are reporting 16,026 cases, although state officials in the past have said the figures could be off as localities struggle to keep up with the virus.

New pandemic related restrictions went into effect statewide on Friday. Gov. Steve Bullock announced the measures during a press conference last week.

Among the added restrictions, masks are now mandated in all counties, regardless of the local case count. Social gatherings are capped at 25 people in places where social distancing is not possible, though Bullock warned residents to avoid groups in general.

Bars, restaurants, casinos and breweries also are limited to 50 percent capacity and can only stay open until 10 p.m.

Schools and houses of worship are exempted from the gathering limitations. In Libby, both the elementary school and middle high school have closed until Nov. 30 owing to the number of students and staff either infected or quarantined.