Montana adds 5k COVID-19 cases, Benefis reports 'dramatic increase' in hospitalizations

Nora Mabie, GreatFalls
·2 min read
Benefis Health System in Great Falls.
Benefis Health System in Great Falls.

Benefis Health System on Monday reported a "dramatic increase in hospitalized COVID-19 patients." As of Monday, the hospital was caring for 52 COVID-19 patients, six of whom were in the ICU. Of the six patients in the ICU, five are unvaccinated. Three patients are on ventilators, all of whom are unvaccinated. There are 292 active hospitalizations in the state.

Cascade County on Monday reported 401 new COVID-19 cases. The county has 963 active cases and 290 total deaths from the virus, which is three additional fatalities since Friday. The recent deaths were listed as unvaccinated women in their 70s and older.

Great Falls Public Schools reported 321 active cases districtwide for the week ending in Jan. 21, reflecting a steady increase in cases over the last few weeks. There were 40 active cases at Great Falls High School, 32 at Loy Elementary 27 at C.M. Russell High School and 25 at East Middle School. As of Jan. 21, every school in the district, and the district office building, reported at least three active COVID-19 cases.

Montana on Monday reported 5,057 new COVID-19 cases, which represents new cases counted over the weekend, as well. There are 14,602 active cases and 2,985 total deaths from the virus. There have been 18,702 new tests since Friday.

Tribes see surge in COVID-19 cases

As of Friday, the Blackfeet COVID-19 Incident Command reported there were 264 active cases on the reservation. Two people were hospitalized and more than 400 people were quarantined. The community has lost 58 members to the virus.

The Fort Belknap Indian Community also reported a spike in active cases. As of Friday, the tribes reported 151 active cases, zero active hospitalizations and 13 total deaths among tribal members. As of Friday the Northern Cheyenne Tribe reported 32 active cases and 51 total deaths from the virus.

Yellowstone County on Monday reported 1,094 new cases, Gallatin County had 699, Missoula County had 534, Silver Bow County had 372 and Flathead had 301.

This article originally appeared on Great Falls Tribune: Montana COVID-19 update: 5k cases, Benefis hospitalizations increase