As of Friday, June 26, 2020, Montana reports 829 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with twenty-nine new cases reported in the last day: nine in Gallatin County, six in Yellowstone County, five cases in Missoula County, four in Ravalli County, two cases in Big Horn County, and one new case in each of Flathead, Richland, and Roosevelt Counties. Statewide, 95 people have been hospitalized, and fourteen people currently are being treated in the hospital for COVID-19. Gallatin County has had 231 cases so far. Another person has passed away due to COVID-19, bringing the total to 22. Nationwide, more than 127,000 Americans have died.

In April, blood clots emerged as one of the many mysterious symptoms attributed to COVID-19, a disease that had initially been thought to largely affect the lungs in the form of pneumonia. Quickly after came reports of young people dying due to coronavirus-related strokes. Next it was COVID toes — painful red or purple digits. What do all of these symptoms have in common? An impairment in blood circulation. Add in the fact that 40% of deaths from COVID-19 are related to cardiovascular complications, and the disease starts to look like a vascular infection instead of a purely respiratory one. Months into the pandemic, there is now a growing body of evidence to support the theory that the novel coronavirus can infect blood vessels, which could explain not only the high prevalence of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks, but also provide an answer for the diverse set of head-to-toe symptoms that have emerged. What first manifests as a respiratory illness then develops into a much more damaging circulatory illness.

The eastern boundary of Glacier National Park into the Blackfeet Reservation will be closed for the remainder of the 2020 tourism season. That includes access to Two Medicine, Chief Mountain, St. Mary’s, Cut Bank, and Many Glacier. The Blackfeet Tribal Council said the decision was based on the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the state, and passed the ordinance in an effort to protect members and residents of the Blackfeet Reservation.

Meanwhile, Glacier Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road will not be open to vehicles to Logan Pass by the July 4 holiday. While crews have punched a hole through the Big Drift, a massive drift of snow just east of Logan Pass, the park is behind with other necessary work on the road, including putting up multiple removable guardrails. Every year the guardrails are taken down before winter snows hit and every spring they have to be bolted back on. Glacier has been late this year with bringing on seasonal crews that do road-related work due to coronavirus restrictions. Seasonal workers have had to quarantine before they could go to work due to coronavirus. The road has to be clear of debris and rocks before it can open to vehicles. While the road won’t be open to vehicles the July 4 weekend, it will be open to hikers and bikers to the pass starting July 2, as crews won’t be working.

The Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board is preventing its members from participating in the Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede, encouraging members not to attend due to the coronavirus. The Stampede, which includes a parade and carnival, is Montana’s oldest professional rodeo and can draw thousands of spectators from in and out of state. The Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce organizes the event, and despite concerns for COVID-19, the event is scheduled to go on as planned July 9-11, but this year, the Fort Peck Tribe will rescind their financial support and prevent members from attending due to concerns about the coronavirus.

On Friday, the Big Horn County Health Board and Local Health Officer issued an order that all people in Big Horn County wear face coverings outside of their home. This requirement is a result of the increase in COVID-19 cases in Big Horn County. Existing guidance about social distancing and handwashing are in effect. Cloth masks can be picked up free of charge at the Big Horn County Public Health Department at 809 N. Custer Ave. in Hardin. The County will also have volunteers distributing masks at local events.