As of Thursday, March 11, 2021, Montana reports 101,424 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 190 new cases reported in the last day: 28 in Missoula County, 25 in Gallatin County, 25 in Yellowstone County, 24 in Flathead County, and more new cases in 16 more Montana counties. The number of active coronavirus cases in Montana is 1,094. Currently, 56 people are being treated in Montana hospitals for COVID-19. The most active cases are in Yellowstone, Flathead, Missoula, and Gallatin Counties. 1,391 people have died in Montana of COVID-19. Four more deaths have been reported since yesterday. Nationwide, more than 529,000 Americans have died of COVID-19. There have been 29,200,000 cases of coronavirus in the US, and counting.

This year’s state legislative session in Montana — where Republicans hold at least a two-thirds majority in both Houses and have a GOP governor for the first time in 16 years to back many of their causes — has triggered concerns from some Native Americans and their allies who fear they are losing influence and representation. Bills that sought to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day were tabled in committee. Funding for two state health positions dedicated to Native American communities were cut. The only Native American member of the state’s human rights commission wasn’t retained. Native American lawmakers are also concerned about several election-related bills that members of the American Indian Caucus argue will make it more difficult for Native Americans, low-income residents, the disabled and rural Montanans to vote. “It’s been a nightmare for Indian Country and Montana Indians,” said Sen. Shane Morigeau, a Democrat from Missoula and one of 10 Native Americans in the Legislature, all but one of whom are Democrats. There are 12 tribal nations and seven Indian reservations in Montana, with a population of nearly 67,000 in 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Gallatin City-County Health Board plans to consider loosening existing health rules on gathering sizes that were put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. The board plans to decide whether to expand group gatherings from the current limit of 25 people to a maximum of 150 for indoor events and up to 250 for outdoor events. The meeting is virtual and is scheduled at 1 p.m. on Friday. Larger gatherings could be allowed only if certain rules are followed, including maintaining physical distancing. There could also be several exceptions to the new limits on gatherings, allowing larger groups at places of worship, schools, youth sporting events and businesses as long as they adhere to the existing 50% capacity limits. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people avoid large gatherings but has not specified a size limit. The positivity rate of coronavirus cases in Gallatin County has hovered around 5% since late January, meaning about one in 20 people tested for COVID-19 are infected. The World Health Organization says positivity rates should be below 5% before reopening businesses.

Gallatin County is scheduled to host a public COVID-19 vaccine clinic next week, according to an announcement Wednesday. The clinic will be the first public vaccination opportunity for residents ages 60 to 69 and individuals ages 16 to 59 with specific health conditions, a group labeled Phase 1B+. Individuals eligible in previous phases — health care workers, people of color, adults over 70 and those with certain other medical conditions — may also sign up for appointments. Sign-ups are scheduled to open Friday at noon for about 250 appointments available Thursday, March 18 at the fairgrounds in Bozeman. Tips on how to navigate the online registration system — mtreadyclinic.org — are available on the health department website, healthygallatin.org.