COVID-19 Tips for Bozeman: Our Case Origins and Free Library Stuff

Today we're talking science and numbers. Where and how did our reported COVID-19 cases come from? Also, there's some GREAT stuff available from the Bozeman Public Library.

Daily Update / Tip: The State of Montana has released an interim study of Covid-19 outbreak in Montana. One of the more interesting charts shows the effectiveness of our collective response to the Governor’s stayat-home order, and how it appears to have reduced the spread of the virus. The chart below shows the date of the onset of symptoms (typically 2 days after virus exposure) for the Gallatin County Covid-19 cases and how the number of cases have dropped since the stay-at-home order was issued. Thank you, Gallatin County residents for what you are doing to keep our most vulnerable residents and healthcare workers safe!

FAQ: Q: What does the State of Montana’s interim report say about the origin of Gallatin County’s Covid -19 cases? A: The biggest grouping of Gallatin County confirmed cases (27%) were community acquired - not linked to other known cases; 20% were the result of travel outside of Montana; 13% were from five different known clusters (worksites, offices, or social events prior to statewide order) and the remainder acquired the virus from contact with a known other case, or the cases are still under investigation. The report states that “it does not appear that spring break of visitors to ski areas contributed significantly to cases in Gallatin County.”

Pulling Together: The Bozeman Public Library offers a host of online resources at bozemanlibrary.org – choose the eLibrary tab. There is free digital content available with Hoopla and Kanopy. Hoopla is a web and mobile library media streaming platform for movies, music, TV, comics, ebooks, and more. Kanopy showcases award-winning films and documentaries as well as PBS series and The Great Courses lectures. You’ll never run out of intriguing content to make your stay-at-home time enriching.

What Can I Do? Check in with your neighbors via phone, note, text or email. See if they are in need of groceries, household items, or someone to talk to over the phone. Keep a particular eye out for elderly neighbors. Offering them the opportunity to have someone else pick up groceries, packages or prescriptions can save them trips out of the home. Be sure to follow safe, sanitary practices in dropping anything off.