Two more COVID-19 deaths announced in Toole County; 177 cases across Montana

The COVD-19 pandemic has claimed two more lives in Montana, bringing the total number of deaths related to the virus to four, the state announced on Monday.

Gov. Steve Bullock said the deaths were reported by the Toole County Health Department, which has announced a total of six cases. One of the deaths was reported by the Cut Bank Pioneer on Sunday.

“Losing two more Montanans to COVID-19 is a blow to our statewide community," Bullock said in a statement. "Today’s news is a heartbreaking reminder to us all that we must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread of this disease. Montanans in every corner of our state are keeping the family and friends of these Montanans in our hearts.”

Bullock said his administration was concerned about the impacts to the senior community in Toole County and is working to deploy additional resources to its health care system.

The number of positive coronavirus cases in Montana grew to 177 on Monday evening while the number of hospitalizations climbed to 10.

Missoula County began the weekend with its eighth confirmed case, though by Monday the number of COVID-19 cases had grown to 12. Gallatin County saw its cases climb to 69.

Monday's new cases were also reported in Yellowstone County with two, and Park and Deer Lodge counties with one each.