The Flathead City-County Health Department announced Wednesday morning that a third Flathead County resident has died from COVID-19-related complications.

According to a press release, the individual was over the age of 65 and had underlying health conditions.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the patient’s family and friends,” said Tamalee St. James Robinson, interim health officer of the health department. “We encourage everyone to continue following masking and social distancing precautions to protect our most vulnerable community members.”

No further details were released, “out of respect for the family,” the press release states.

According to the health department’s COVID-19 website, which is updated daily, Flathead County currently has 53 active cases and has experienced 357 cases since the start of the pandemic. Of the total cases, 301 have recovered and there are currently seven hospitalizations in the county.

Also on Wednesday, Montana’s COVID-19 Task Force reported 175 new cases statewide, bringing the state’s cumulative case county to 5,268 cases. Of the total cases, 3,598 have recovered, 1,590 are currently active and 80 have resulted in fatalities. To date, the state has performed nearly 200,000 tests.

For the most up-to-date information on local Flathead County cases, go to https://flatheadhealth.org/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

Reporter Kianna Gardner can be reached at 758-4407 or [email protected]