BOZEMAN, Mont. – If you’ve been paying attention to the Gallatin County Health Department’s COVID-19 data and graphs, you’ve probably taken note that the 7-Day rolling average for COVID-19 cases has been steadily dropping.
At its peak on November 17, Gallatin County was at 186 cases on the 7-Day average. On December 1st, that 7-Day average was at 84 cases, and on December 14th, the 7-Day average is down to 60.
We should point out that the Montana State University students, most of whom are in the highest age demos for contracting the virus, are on Holiday break. However, if you look at the graph, it shows that the decline in COVID-19 cases actually began about a week before the Fall semester ended.
The steady decline could also have to do with testing, as considerably fewer people are being tested right now, which could also be tied to MSU students leaving for the semester. In the 26 days since the rolling average peaked at 186 cases, 9,976 COVID tests have been performed. In the 26 days leading up to November 17, 13,106 people were tested.
Whatever the reason or reasons behind the drop in COVID-19 cases in Gallatin County, it is a good sign.
Another good sign is that hospitalizations for the coronavirus in Gallatin County have dropped, too. According to the latest COVID-19 data from the health department, we have 10 people hospitalized for the coronavirus. A week ago that number was 15.
Bed space has also improved at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. The last COVID-19 Hospital Occupancy and Capacity in Montana Report (12/14/2020) shows there are currently 39 available beds at Bozeman Deaconess. And that improvement is state-wide, as the report shows that in all hospitals in Montana classified as large, none of them currently have over 90% of their beds in use.
