The Ravalli County Coronavirus Incident Management Team has confirmed the first COVID-19 case in the county. They reported: "The person is a female in her teens and is resting in isolation at home. The coronavirus was spread to her through international travel. Close contacts of the person are in quarantine."

Incident Commander Dr. Carol Calderwood said, "We knew the virus would eventually get to Ravalli County. We are prepared and we are taking steps to help ensure the health and safety of our citizens."

Isolation is used to separate ill persons who have a communicable disease from those who are healthy.
Quarantine is used to separate and restrict the movement of well persons who may have been exposed to a communicable disease to see if they become ill. Quarantine can also help limit the spread of communicable disease.

The community is urged to stay home as much as possible and avoid ALL nonessential public activities. Continue to practice 6-foot social distancing. You are also advised to stay home if you feel sick, unless you are short of breath and otherwise need urgent care. Call your personal health provider or call the public health number with other questions at 1-888-333-0461. People living in nursing homes, assisted living or senior living apartments and group homes should stay home. Managers of those facilities are taking supportive steps such as arranging grocery shopping. As always, wash hands frequently and wash frequently touched areas. Ravalli County Coronavirus updates are found at the Ravalli County website.

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