Southwest Montana News

Gov. Steve Bullock's stay-at-home order went into effect in Montana on Saturday in an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus in the state. 

As of Saturday evening, the state had 147 confirmed cases of COVID-17, the official name for coronavirus. 

“In consultation with public health experts, health care providers, and emergency management professionals, I have determined that to protect public health and human safety, it is essential, to the maximum extent possible, individuals stay at home or at their place of residence,” Bullock said in a statement. “There’s no doubt that COVID-19 is causing a lot of hardship. It’s also causing incredible hardships for our frontline doctors, nurses and other hospital staff across the country.”

Bullock earlier this month formed a task force consisting of local, state, tribal and federal partners to address coronavirus issues in Montana. 

The task force is led by Adjutant General Matthew Quinn of the state Department of Military Affairs. The following departments are also included: Disaster and Emergency Services, Department of Military  Affairs, Department of Administration, Department of Commerce,  Department of Labor and Industry and Department of Public Health and Human Services. The governor's budget director and chief of staff are also included on the task force.

“I am taking these measures today because we need to stay in front of this pandemic and slow the growth of infections. In order to have a healthy economy we need a healthy population," Bullock said. "We cannot rebuild our economic strength without doing everything we can now to flatten the curve and slow the spread of this virus."

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms can appear two days to two weeks after exposure. According to Montana.gov, residents can contact the local county or tribal health department for testing information or an update about what is happening in your community.