As of Tuesday, June 23, 2020, Montana reports 743 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with nine new cases reported in the last day: three cases in Big Horn County and Cascade County, and one new case in each of Dawson, Lewis & Clark, and Yellowstone Counties. Statewide, 91 people have been hospitalized. Fifteen people are currently being treated in the hospital for COVID-19. Gallatin County has had 213 cases so far. In Montana 21 people have died from COVID-19. Nationwide, more than 123,000 Americans have died.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, told Congress that “The virus is not going to disappear,” that the U.S. does not yet have the coronavirus under control, and the country is seeing a “disturbing surge” of infections in some areas. Dr. Fauci described the next two weeks as critical to controlling the spread of the virus, and he warned of a dangerous intersection of the regular flu season with the coronavirus this winter.

Europe may bar American travelers, citing failures over the virus. European Union countries are prepared to block Americans from entering because the U.S. has failed to control the scourge. A decision is expected before the European bloc reopens on July 1. That prospect, would lump American visitors in with Russians and Brazilians as unwelcome. The U.S. has more than 2.3 million cases and 120,000 deaths, more than any other country.

The number of coronavirus cases in Gallatin County continues to rise. The new cases are in Big Sky and the Gallatin Valley and are the result of community transmission and contact with known cases. Gallatin City-County Health Officer Matt Kelley said that, “What is especially concerning is that with the cases over the weekend, we are seeing people who have spent time in the last week at a bar or [at a] party.” In the last several days, there have been seven new cases in Big Sky, all of which were tied to the same social circle.

“If you are in a crowded setting, you’re at risk and really need to think about removing yourself from that setting,” Kelley said. Recent cases have also been in mostly younger adults. Although the virus may affect younger people less severely than others, the new cases still pose a threat. “It’s not just about you,” Kelley said. “It’s about those that you come into contact with.”

Like Gallatin County, the entire state is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases. Over the weekend, the state announced 68 new cases. Kelley said he didn’t know if or when Gallatin County might consider new restrictions but said the decision would be based on the number of local hospitalizations for the virus and the county’s ability to trace and manage new cases.

State officials have attributed the recent spike in cases to the reopening of the economy, the elimination of the mandatory two-week quarantine for out-of-state visitors, and the increase in testing for COVID-19. State and local officials continue to advise people to avoid large gatherings, stay home when feeling sick, wash hands frequently and wear a mask when in public and when social distancing cannot be done.