Montana governor extends mandatory closures

Gov. Steve Bullock announced he was extending directives on closures of schools, bars and restaurants until at least April 10 during a press conference on Tuesday.

Bullock also announced a directive prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more people outside the home unless proper social distancing — at least six feet between individuals — can be maintained.

The governor stopped short of saying he would institute a shelter-in-place order.

“I’ve taken necessary and aggressive action,” he said. “Let’s all of us Montanans make sure to do our part.”

“Montanans have an obligation to slow the spread of this virus. Our fellow Montanans can all continue to set a good example for each other in adhering to social distancing directives – and know that it will save lives,” Governor Bullock said. “For every person who stays at home and avoids non-essential gatherings, the better our chances to fight this virus and protect our frontline health care workers and emergency responders.”

Retail businesses are also required to establish and enforce social distancing policies to ensure a minimum of six feet between customers, effective March 28. This requirement does not apply to grocery, health care, medical, or pharmacy services, although they are also encouraged to comply with social distancing protocols if possible.

The Governor’s Office is also preparing for a potential surge of patients needing hospital care.

On Monday, Bullock announced a directive that temporarily waives the bidding process to quickly procure or distribute emergency supplies or contract for additional space to care for patients.

Additionally, the directive streamlines the process for releasing patients and discharging them back to their home communities without delay as they recover, which will free up beds and equipment for new patients.