As of Sunday, March 7, 2021, Montana reports 100,914 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 75 new cases reported in the last day: 25 in Flathead County, 19 in Missoula County, 11 in Gallatin County, and more new cases in 9 more Montana counties. The number of active coronavirus cases in Montana is 1,590. Currently, 63 people are being treated in Montana hospitals for COVID-19. The most active cases are in Yellowstone, Flathead, Gallatin and Missoula Counties. 1,381 people have died in Montana of COVID-19. Nationwide, more than 524,000 Americans have died of COVID-19. There have been 29,000,000 cases of coronavirus in the US, and counting.

With each day and each vaccination, the US inches closer to the finish line of what has been a brutal battle against Covid-19. But health officials warn that it’s not over just yet. Highly contagious variants that are already circulating have experts worried that another Covid-19 spike could be just weeks away. More than 2,700 cases of variants first spotted in the UK, South Africa and Brazil have been reported in the US. The more contagious variant known as B.1.1.7, first spotted in the UK, has been found in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. The variants are a big reason why experts have repeatedly warned that now is the time to double down on measures that work to curb the spread of the virus — and not ease Covid-19 restrictions. Despite health leaders’ warnings, several state leaders announced they were easing Covid-19 restrictions.

The Gallatin City-County Health Department has released additional information about Montana’s first three cases of the U.K. variant — all of which are in Gallatin County.
The three cases were not related and involved residents who live in different parts of the county. None had traveled recently. All three were younger than 50. One was hospitalized briefly, but all have since recovered. Health Officer Matt Kelley said the lack of connection between the cases and the absence of travel history indicate the variant may be circulating widely in Gallatin County and, possibly, in Montana. The U.K. variant is known to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, according to the CDC. Kelley said the confirmation of the U.K. variant in Gallatin County is a reminder that it’s important to continue taking measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19, including practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, staying home when sick and getting the vaccine when it becomes available.

The submarine USS Montana — the first Navy vessel to be named after the state since 1908 — was launched Wednesday into the James River at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division in Virginia. The $2.6 billion Montana, also known as SSN 794, is about 92% complete and scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Navy in late 2021. The 7,800-ton nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarine has 12 Tomahawk missile tubes and four torpedo tubes. The Montana now goes to the shipyard’s submarine pier for final outfitting, testing and crew certification. The USS Montana will undergo sea trials this spring and summer. Nearly 10,000 shipbuilders, as well as suppliers from all 50 states, have participated in the Montana’s construction since the work began in 2015. The vessel’s insignia, the official emblem of the USS Montana, includes a Glacier National Park scene, a gold star within the submarine’s hull number, SSN 794 and the state motto of Oro y Plata (gold and silver).