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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rhonda Johnson, Public Information Officer, Big Horn County (406) 679-0572 Big Horn County Reports First COVID-19 Death Patient Identified as Male in His 60’s HARDIN, MONTANA (June 5, 2020) - Big Horn County today confirmed the first death due to 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) of an individual residing in Big Horn County. The decedent was a man in his 60’s. He had been previously diagnosed with COVID-19 and monitored daily by public health nurses. The Big Horn County COVID-19 Response Unified Coalition offers their deepest condolences for his family, friends, and the entire Big Horn County community in our grief. All of the preventive measures recommended by public health take on a new importance with this death. It is important to know that this virus affects people differently, and extreme can present quickly and without warning. Public health nurses want to remind all residents of Big Horn County of the best ways to prevent the transmission of this illness: stay home; wash your hands thoroughly and often; clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces and items; wear a mask when in public; stay at least six feet away from other people; and avoid travel out of the County if at all possible. And if you are feeling sick, do not go to work or leave your home; rather, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. Big Horn County is the sixth largest county in Montana, at approximately 5,023 square miles, and with a population exceeding 13,000. The local government was established January 13, 1913. Hardin is the County Seat.