Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

coronavirus

COVID-19 Symptoms CDC.gov What to Do If Sick CDC.gov

Montana state and local public health officials are monitoring the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation very closely.

Currently, there are no reported COVID-19 cases in Montana. 

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, you can take simple steps to protect yourself and your family. 

•    Stay home if you’re sick, 
•    Avoid contact with sick people when possible,
•    Cover your cough and sneezes with the crook of your elbow or a tissue
•    Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and wash your hands frequently
•    Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread. Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact. Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.  Find out more at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html

You can contact your local county or tribal health department for questions regarding COVID-19, testing or what may be occurring in your community.

covid19 cases in Montana

COVID-19 CDC Link
 

CDC COVID-19 Situation Summary
Daily CDC Update
U.S. cases (CDC)

Important Announcements

DPHHS HAN message 3/9/2020: Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

DPHHS HAN message 3/4/2020: Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

DPHHS Press Release 3/3/2020: Governor Bullock Activates Coronavirus Task Force to Bolster State's Preparations

DPHHS HAN message 3/2/2020: Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

DPHHS HAN message 2/28/2020: COVID-19 Outbreak Update and Updated Guidance Related to Evaluation of Patients Under Investigation PUIs

DPHHS HAN message 2/3/2020: Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) 

DPHHS HAN message 01/22/2020: Updated and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China

DPHHS HAN message 01/13/2020: CDC Notification of Outbreak of Pneumonia of Unknown Etiology (PUE) in Wuhan, China

Live Accordion

About 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

What is a coronavirus?

Human coronaviruses are common throughout the world. There are several types of coronaviruses including those that cause symptoms of the common cold. Human coronaviruses commonly cause mild to moderate illness. A novel, or new coronavirus is a strain of coronavirus that has not been identified before. This has happened previously with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV both of which cause more severe respiratory illnesses. 

What is a novel coronavirus?

The novel coronavirus associated with Wuhan China, or COVID-19, recently emerged and is causing an outbreak of illnesses in China, with additional cases reported in other countries including the United States. To date, all U.S. cases had recent travel to the Wuhan area. At this time, the risk to the U.S. public remains low.

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus is still being studied and public health officials are learning more each day. To date, it appears that transmission occurs via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes as is the case with other respiratory illnesses like the common cold or influenza. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with this novel coronavirus have reported mild to severe respiratory illness with cough, fever, and/or shortness of breath.

How do I know if I am at risk for COVID-19?

At this time, the risk for the majority of people remains low but a person at risk includes specific symptoms and travel to China within the past 14 days OR close contact to a confirmed case. Review the CDC assessment tool for detailed information.

How can I help protect myself and my family?

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The same preventative measures that are recommended during cold and flu season will also help to protect against COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth 
  • Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue (or your elbow)
  • Stay home if you are sick
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations

Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations - Interim recommendations for US community facilities with suspected/confirmed COVID-19.

Information for Communities

Information for Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools

Information for Higher Education

Colleges & Universities - CDC resources for Institutes of Higher Learning

Information for Employers

Information for Healthcare Professionals

Information for Laboratories

The Montana Public Health Laboratory now has the capability to test for COVID-19 but the number of tests available is limited. We ask that providers consult with local public health and DPHHS to determine if an individual meets the criteria for testing.

Specific guidance for specimen collection and transport is found at the Montana Public Health Laboratory website.

 

Information for Long-Term Care Facilities

Information for Travelers

Infection Control and EMS Guidance

Multimedia and Printed Resources

CDC

Communication Resources - Videos, fact sheets and posters from the CDC.

Print Resources - Handouts and posters from the CDC.

Video Resources - Videos from the CDC.

 

Montana DPHHS

POSTER You Can Help Keep Illness From Spreading - 6 Tips to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness.