DREW TURIANO FOR CONGRESS issued the following announcement on May 19.
Gov. Steve Bullock says Montana has flattened the curve of COVID-19 spread in the state and it's time to start reopening. The reopening plan comes in phases, Phase 1 began April 26.
Here's what's closed or restricted in Montana as of May 19, 2020.
Montana is currently in Phase 1 of its reopening, which lifted the stay-at-home order for individuals. Groups of 10 people are still discouraged. Continued social distancing and frequent hand washing are still encouraged, and the state is asking people to continue to minimize non-essential travel. Vulnerable individuals are still encouraged by public health officials to follow stay-at-home guidance.
A 14-day quarantine remains in effect for travelers arriving from out of state for non-work related reasons.
Phase 2 is scheduled to begin June 1. At that time gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed, and more people will be allowed inside restaurants, bars and gyms, which can operate at 75% capacity only if they can adhere to strict physical distancing and exercise frequent sanitation protocols. Concert halls, bowling alleys and other places of assembly may operate with reduced capacity if they adhere to strict physical distancing guidelines.
Montana's mandatory 14-quarantine for out-of-state travelers will also expire June 1.
Bullock said state officials are also in talks with Yellowstone National Park officials to possibly reopen three Montana gates into the park on June 1. Wyoming’s two Yellowstone gates opened Monday.
The governor cited the state's low number of new cases and its increased testing capabilities as justification for the move to Phase 2.
Until June 1, the following restrictions remain in effect:
A 14-day quarantine remains in effect for travelers arriving from out of state for non-work related reasons.
Churches have reopened, but vulnerable populations, including the elderly, are encouraged to follow stay-at-home guidance.
Retail businesses have been allowed to reopen with health checks for workers and guidance on keeping space between customers.
Restaurants, bars, brewpubs and casinos began reopening on May 4, with limits on crowds, along with social-distancing and sanitation requirements.
Schools were allowed to reopen May 7, but many districts have chosen to cancel in-person classes through the end of the year.
Gyms, pools and spas initially remained closed during phase one of reopening. On May 7, Bullock announced those businesses could reopen at half capacity with frequent sanitation and social distancing requirements on May 15.
Salons, massage businesses and tattoo parlors are open with social distancing and strict sanitation requirements, as of April 27. Missoula County, which had issued it's own more restrictive order for reopening, now says salons, barber shops and massage businesses can reopen starting May 11.
The governor's plan asks people to continue to minimize non-essential travel. A 14-day quarantine remains in effect for travelers arriving from out of state for non-work related reasons.
Original source here.
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