Recent drop in COVID cases

Recent days have seen a decrease in the number of daily COVID-19 cases in Gallatin County. As of Friday, Jan. 28, the Gallatin County Health Department Weekly COVID-19 Surveillance Report witnessed a 20% decrease in the seven-day rolling average of new daily cases per 100,000 residents from the previous week.

Data reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also indicates a drop in the number of new cases in the county, as well as a decline in the percent of positive tests. The surveillance report pointed toward the same conclusion, with its figures showing a 17% decrease in average testing positivity over the past week. 

However, these declines do not necessarily signal the end of the need for cautionary measures, as the CDC still lists Gallatin County transmission rates as “high” and recommends continuing the usage of face coverings. 

Compared to the rest of the U.S., Gallatin County has a higher seven-day rolling average at 224.4 cases compared to the average 181 cases at the national level. This decrease in cases within Gallatin County resembles the national trend as well. 

Compared to the rest of the nation, Gallatin County and Montana fall short in vaccination rates. According to the CDC, 68.5% of Gallatin County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 57.8% are fully vaccinated. Mayo Clinic reports that 75.9% of the U.S. population has received one dose and 63.7% are fully vaccinated. The state sits at 55.2% full vaccination status. According to the surveillance report, the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations for vaccinated individuals is lower than those unvaccinated.

Following the rise in cases, the Federal Emergency Emergency Management Agency has provided resources for a free COVID-19 testing site in Gallatin County. This news came after Gallatin County’s application was approved by the Increasing Community Access to Testing Surge Site program. Starting Thursday, Feb. 3, the testing site will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. The site will provide free, community-wide testing for 21 days. Before getting tested, you must pre-register at doineedacovid19test.com. Once registered, you can select an appointment time for a lab-based, observed self-collection PCR test, with results expected within 48 to 72 hours.