Saturday’s Montana COVID-19 Numbers Grow by Two

The May 16th Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services numbers added two positive COVID-19 tests - both in Yellowstone County (Billings). That May 16th number brings the Yellowstone total so far to 85. Statewide, the total is now 468 positive cases. There have been 16 deaths from the coronavirus, 431 have recovered and 3 are hospitalized. Gallatin County has had the most positive tests with 149. The totals remain the same throughout the state, including Missoula County at 39, Lake County and Ravalli County at 5, Lewis and Clark (Helena) at 16 and Beaverhead County at 1. The DPHHS reports 26,091 people tested as of Saturday morning.

The state is still under Phase One of the phased-in re-opening of Montana, with theaters and gyms allowed to reopen, as of Friday, May 15. There are still numerous restrictions in force, including 6-foot social distancing, wearing facemasks in public areas and 14-day self-quarantine for those coming back into the state from elsewhere. Ravalli County started a slow opening of its Saturday Farmers Market at the beginning of the month and Missoula County will start opening its government offices Monday, May 18.