LOCAL NEWS

CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended
Isolation and Quarantine Period for General
Population; Continued from Page 1

Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure. Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure.  For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.

Isolation relates to behavior after a confirmed infection. Isolation for 5 days followed by wearing a well-fitting mask will minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others. Quarantine refers to the time following exposure to the virus or close contact with someone known to have COVID-19. Both updates come as the Omicron variant continues to spread throughout the U.S. and reflects the current science on when and for how long a person is maximally infectious. These recommendations do not supersede state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, nor do they apply to healthcare workers for whom CDC has updated guidance.

Data from South Africa and the United Kingdom demonstrate that vaccine effectiveness against infection for two doses of an mRNA vaccine is approximately 35%. A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose restores vaccine effectiveness against infection to 75%. COVID-19 vaccination decreases the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. CDC strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 5 and older and boosters for everyone 16 and older. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our communities.

The following is attributable to CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky:

“The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society. CDC’s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses. These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives. Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather.”

If You Test Positive for  COVID-19 (Isolate); Everyone, regardless of vaccination status: Stay home for 5 days, If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house. Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days. If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine);If you: Have been boosted OR Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months OR
Completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months.

If you: Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted OR Completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted
OR Are unvaccinated.

 

 

Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hunting regulations out for public comment; public meetings planned for northwest Montana

Hunting regulation proposals for the 2022-2023 seasons were approved for public comment by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission last week and are now out for review and comment online through Jan. 14. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold public meetings throughout the state to provide information and answer questions, including in northwest Montana.

Montana hunting season regulations are adopted biennially for most game species. Review the proposals and comment online at fwp.mt.gov/regproposals. Comments can be submitted at the same spot through Jan. 14 or by email to fwpwld@mt.gov.

This is a second phase of season setting for the 2022-2023 hunting regulation proposals.

Earlier this fall in an effort to simplify regulations, FWP biologists offered proposals that combined some hunting districts, reduced some license and permit types, and eliminated hunting district portions. FWP staff held informational meetings around the state, and the public was invited to submit comments on those initial proposals. FWP adjusted proposals based on public comment and presented them to the commission at their Dec. 14 meeting.

These draft regulations are now out for review and comment. FWP will hold public meetings to provide information and take questions. Comments should be submitted online or by email.

In northwest Montana (Region 1), FWP will host four meetings: Jan. 3, Zoom (link will be available online at fwp.mt.gov/regproposals), 6 p.m. ; Jan. 6, Libby, City Hall – Ponderosa Room, 6 p.m.

The commission will make a final decision on the 2022/2023 hunting regulations at its meeting in February.

Submitted by  Dillon Tabish

Animal Tracking & Sign Interpretation Outdoor Education Program

 

Submitted by Brian Baxter

 

Discover the world of animal tracks, sign, scat, & habitats as we enjoy learning about local wildlife species! We’ll meet at the Venture Inn at 9 a.m. Mountain Standard Time on Sat. Jan., 22nd, 2022. Over coffee, we’ll go over some handouts on different species and track patterns. About 9:30 a.m., we will head to the field to examine several habitat types for track and sign. This Adult Class will make several roadside stops, and take some short hikes on private lands less than one mile round trip. Participants will be in their own vehicles, and then in the great outdoors where  we will will maintain safe and healthy distances from each other as we meander through the woods as a tracking team.

All Participants Must Register To Attend. This will be a great opportunity to learn tracking basics, break in your snowshoes, get some exercise, and meet some like minded outdoorsy folks! Instructors have both college education and outdoor education instructor experience. Participants should come with full gas tanks, and be dressed properly for weather conditions. Also bring water, lunch, binoculars, cameras, and a good sense of humor. To Register email b_baxter53@yahoo.com or call 406-291-2154. Wrap up at approx. 2:30 p.m.. Small groups of less than ten folks. No Dogs Please. Snowshoes optional.