Montana reports record 1,063 new COVID cases, 27 more deaths

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana reported a record 1,063 new cases of COVID-19 and 27 more deaths on Friday, amid a surge in infections.

Since the pandemic began, the state has confirmed nearly 32,000 cases of the respiratory virus and at least 364 deaths. Nearly 360 people remain hospitalized, health officials said.

The state's previous one-day high was 924 cases reported on Oct. 21.

The health department has not yet provided a breakdown of the 27 deaths that were reported Friday, but Yellowstone County's count included three deaths that occurred at senior living facilities between Sept. 22 and Oct. 13.

Montana has confirmed 5,462 cases in the past seven days, or an average of 779 per day. The number of new infections is not known because not everyone is tested and people can have COVID-19 without having symptoms.

Medical providers and COVID-19 survivors have been urging residents to wear masks to limit the spread of the coronavirus, hospital workers have said their resources are strained and the state health department is seeking court orders to get five businesses in Flathead County to comply with mask mandates.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.