DPHHS update on COVID-19 variants in MT
State health agency continues to work with CDC on surveillance for variant strains
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News from DPHHS
MONTANA — Department of Public Health and Human Services officials announced that as of March 17, Montana has 19 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 virus variant strains.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified DPHHS of 11 additional variant cases that match two California variant strains and a New York variant strain.
These cases involve specimens of Montana residents that were submitted for testing dating back from January to early March 2021. These 11 cases are from Beaverhead, Cascade, Glacier, Hill, Jefferson, Madison, Phillips, Roosevelt, Silver Bow, and Valley counties. When these samples were submitted for testing, the California strains and New York strain had not yet been classified by CDC.
These 11 cases are in addition to eight UK variant cases confirmed in Gallatin County residents.
Currently there are no variants that rise to the level of high consequence in the U.S.
DPHHS Director Adam Meier said, “As more surveillance and testing continues, it’s not surprising to find more confirmed variant cases in Montana and the US. The information that is learned through identifying more variants will be vital going forward.”
To date, nearly all states now have confirmed cases of at least one of the variant strains.
Meier stressed the best thing Montanans can do to protect themselves from COVID-19, including the new variant strains, is to get vaccinated. He said it’s important to continue to follow CDC guidance around wearing a mask for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals.
Meier stated it’s important to remain vigilant to limit the spread of COVID-19 because that is how the virus replicates and creates new variants. Montanans are encouraged to continue to practice basic public health prevention methods to keep case numbers low in Montana including: wearing a mask to protect yourself and others, practicing social distancing by staying six feet apart, staying home if you are sick, covering your cough, washing your hands often, and avoiding large crowds.
Montanans interested in getting their COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to visit: covidvaccine.mt.gov to find information regarding vaccine availability and scheduling in their area.
