Updated July 21 with new case numbers from the state and more information from Malmstrom.

Cascade County City-County Health Department said July 20 that there are eight new confirmed cases in the county.

This is the highest number of positive test results to come back in one day for the county so far, according to CCHD.

As of July 21, the state website shows 81 total cases for Cascade County with 39 active cases.

On July 21, CCHD added two new confirmed COVID-19 cases: a male in his 70s and female in her 40s.

According to CCHD on July 20, there were five active hospitalizations in the county.

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The new cases are:

• Female in 50s
• Female 20s
• Male 40s
• Male 30s
• Male 20s
• Male 20s
• Female aged 10-19
• Female aged 10-19

“We did expect to see an increase in cases after the 4th of July holiday weekend, and—just over two weeks later—we are right near the end of the virus’ 14-day incubation period, when it makes sense to see new cases,” according to CCHD.

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Several of the new cases are tied to previous cases and were identified through contact tracing. Others are tied to travel and some are community spread, according to CCHD.

“Since we are still seeing community transmission in Cascade County, we will continue to see increasing case numbers as long as community members continue to travel and hold events and gatherings,” according to CCHD.

Close contacts are identified as being within six feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more. CCHD recommends wearing a face covering, washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people outside your household to reduce your chances of acquiring COVID-19.

Malmstrom Air Force Base

Malmstrom Air Force Base has returned to Health Protection Condition Charlie and extended its public health emergency through Aug. 11.

Leave and travel outside a one-hour radius of base requires approval.

“HPCON Charlie indicates a substantial health threat which requires heightened measures such as stricter guidelines on social distancing and shelter-in-place procedures with the following exceptions: obtaining food, caring for a relative or family member, seeking necessary health care or going to an essential job,” according to a Malmstrom release.

To limit the risks associated with COVID-19, Malmstrom officials have implemented the following measures:

• Masks must be worn by all individuals aged 5 or older when inside all indoor facilities on and off base. The only exceptions are in homes, the base fitness center and DFAC when actively eating or drinking.
• The Visitor’s Control Center will be open by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling 731-2853 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. When the VCC is closed, the gate guards will write a temporary pass that will need to be renewed the next day.
• The Fitness Center will be reconfiguring its layout to meet physical distancing standards.
• Indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people or less. Masks are required for any outdoor events with 50 people or more and social distancing will still be required.
• Other measures and closures are being considered, but have not been implemented yet.