As of Wednesday, December 22, 2020, Montana reports 78,522 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 590 new cases reported in the last day: 113 in Yellowstone County, 67 in Flathead County, 64 in Missoula County, 57 in Lewis & Clark County, 47 in Gallatin County, 32 in Cascade County, and more new cases in 34 more Montana counties. The number of active coronavirus cases in Montana is 8,053. Statewide, 3,360 people have been hospitalized, and 251 people are being treated in Montana hospitals for COVID-19. The most active cases are in Yellowstone, Cascade, Lewis & Clark County and Flathead County. 914 people have died in Montana of COVID-19. Nineteen more deaths have been reported in the last day. Montana surpassed 78,000 coronavirus cases on Wednesday. Nationwide, more than 323,000 Americans have died of COVID-19. There have been 18,300,000 cases of coronavirus in the US, and counting.

Montana began distributing its first COVID-19 vaccines last week and vaccinations are continuing to roll out across the state with the arrival of the latest vaccine from Moderna. On Wednesday morning, the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center in Helena received its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine and started to distribute the vaccine Wednesday. Fort Harrison is one of 113 VA medical centers in the country to receive the first supply of the Moderna vaccine. Sites were chosen based on need for the vaccine according to the CDC’s 1A prioritization, and capacity to store the vaccine at cold temperatures.

Dr. Judy Hayman, director of the Montana VA, said, (the) “Montana VA Health Care System is excited to have our first shipment of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for our health care personnel and our Miles City community living center residents and staff.” The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is reportedly 94% effective in clinical trials. The vaccine is administered in two doses, 28 days apart. The side effects of the vaccine appear similar to those of other vaccines and are short-lived. Common side effects include injection site pain, fatigue, headache and chills. Medical experts recommend wearing face coverings, physical distancing and good hygiene even after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.

Tonix Pharmaceutical company plans to build a vaccine facility in Hamilton, Montana. Tonix will build a vaccine production facility and is expected to create a number of professional and support jobs. The 44-acre site is large enough to accommodate expansion over time. The facility could open as early as the first quarter 2022. Tonix Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company currently working on developing potential COVID-19 vaccines.

Helena residents and businesses are encouraged to leave holiday lights on after the season ends to honor frontline workers. Downtown Helena, Inc. and the Helena Education Foundation ask that for the months of January and February, Helena residents join in this collaborative effort by leaving their holiday lights up and on each evening.” A statement from the group says, “While our days in January and February can be short on daylight, this simple gesture will help light up our community and remind our local heroes of our collective appreciation for their life-saving efforts. Whether in caring for patients or keeping supply lines open and grocery store shelves stocked, these selfless professionals continue to give their best each day for our community. At the end of a long day, we hope that these lights and gestures of gratitude will be ever-present reminders of how Helena values all that they do.”

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone, and Happy Holidays.