Ravalli County COVID-19 Team Fights Rumors

Contrary to a widespread rumor, there is still only one COVID-19 case in Ravalli County. The Ravalli County COVID-19 Incident Management Team, in their Friday afternoon report, confirmed that on March 27, the only person who has tested positive for COVID-19 remains in isolation. Her personal contacts have been quarantined, though they have not exhibited symptoms.

Dr. Carol Calderwood said in a news release Friday: "We have enough tension and uncertainty right now; we don't need to spread rumors about additional cases. More positive cases will come soon enough, and we are ready. We have been completely honest with the status of cases in Ravalli County. There is no need to hide information, there is no need to inflate information. When there is another case, we will report it immediately." The latest Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services report at 4 p.m. Friday, March 27, showed 114 positive tests in Montana for COVID-19 so far, with Gallatin County increasing to 42. Meanwhile, Ravalli County remains at 1 and Missoula County is at 8 cases. Calderwood also said that there have been 80 tests in Ravalli County. Calderwood quoted Dr. Sanjay Gupta. "In this time of physical distancing, we all need each other more than ever." Calderwood added, "and that includes factual information."