Bullock outlines Montana’s response to virus

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock emphasized the seriousness of the state’s measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on a conference call with Montana media on Monday.

“The time to act is really now before the spread of infections gets worse,” Bullock said, adding that all Montanans will need to work together to tackle the outbreak.

As of Monday afternoon, six people had tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Montana. Bullock said 204 Montanans had been tested and 109 people were being tested on Monday alone.

According to Bullock, Montana has the capacity to test 750 more individuals, and he expects the Centers for Disease Control will send 1,000 more tests by Wednesday.

Bullock said the decision to close Montana schools until March 27 “was not taken lightly,” and he “recognizes the hardship it creates” for many Montana families. He also could not give an assurance that schools would be back in session by March 27.

“This is a very dynamic situation,” Bullock said.

Bullock said he strongly discouraged Montanans from holding or attending large gatherings, but did not commit to a statewide prohibition on dining at restaurants and bars, as a few other states have done.

Butte-Silver Bow County health officials announced the closure of all bars, restaurants and gyms for at least a week starting on Monday afternoon. Bullock said he expects other counties and cities in Montana will do the same.

Soon after the press call ended, Gallatin County also announced a week-long closure of all restaurants and bars.

Bullock said visitors will be barred from entering nursing homes except in “compassionate cases.” In those cases, visitors must pass a thorough screening to enter the facility.

On President Trump’s announcement that states should not rely on the federal government to provide respirators for those diagnosed with COVID-19, Bullock said, “We’ll continue to press the federal government to provide what’s needed.”

He said the state is currently undergoing an assessment of supplies – such as respirators – it has on hand. Bullock said he “will count on the federal government to be a partner.”

He added that during a call with fellow governors, other governors were expressing concerns about having enough supplies, including tests.

Bullock said the impact of the pandemic on Montana’s economy will be “significant,” but quickly emphasized the health and safety of Montanans is more important.

“It is a challenging time,” Bullock said. “But as Montanans we recognize that in challenging times we have to come together.”

He said he is “having discussions” about daycare centers and loosening requirements about the number of children they can take in, and will be asking educators to provide remote learning opportunities if possible. He also encouraged employers to be generous with their sick leave policy.

“We’re doing everything we can to recognize the challenges out there,” Bullock said.

Reporter Colin Gaiser may be reached at 758-4439 or cgaiser@dailyinterlake.com