The novel coronavirus, until now a seemingly distant threat, surfaced with stark urgency last week in Montana, quickly upending much of life in Jefferson County.
On Friday, March 13, Governor Steve Bullock announced the state’s first four cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. Three of those patients were in Gallatin, Silver Bow, and Broadwater counties, respectively, ringing Jefferson. The next day, two more cases were reported in Missoula County.
No Jefferson County residents had been diagnosed with the disease, and none were being actively monitored. “I was relieved,” said county Public Health Department Supervisor Karen Wandel. Early into the weekend, other local officials were indicating moderate concern, and wondering if fears were being overblown.
