Montana is about to reopen. What does that mean?
Midway through our sixth week of social distancing and sheltering in place, Governor Steve Bullock announced plans on Wednesday, April 22nd to begin easing restrictions and reopening the economy in the state of Montana. While this announcement comes too late to affect the remainder of the school year, it might help salvage some of the plans you made for summer. People should not take this to mean that conditions will suddenly return to normal. The reopening of businesses, agencies, and public places will be slow and gradual so as not to accelerate the potential spread of infection. Community members above the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions are still asked to stay home as much as possible. Restrictions may return if there is a significant spike in reported cases. While we are not out of the woods yet, we are now free to stick our toes in the water.
In announcing his plan, Bullock cited that Montana has had the lowest number of reported coronavirus cases in the country and the lowest number of hospitalizations per capita. Indeed, our relative geographic isolation, our small population density, and the fact that social distancing restrictions went into place relatively early mean that Montana has been spared the worst of the pandemic….so far. Representatives of the CDC caution that more deadly outbreaks could erupt next fall. People venturing into the community should still maintain a safe six feet of distance between themselves and others. Experts are still warning of the effects if certain states decide to reopen too soon.
The reopening of communities around the state will commence as follows. Beginning on April 26th, people can begin gathering in places of worship. On April 27th, businesses and retail establishments will be free to open. Beginning on May 4th, restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, and casinos will be allowed to reopen granted they adhere to strict guidelines pertaining to public health. Beginning on May 7th, schools will be given the option to reopen or continue with remote learning activities. Schools that decide to reopen will have to still account for public health considerations and assist students that have fallen behind in their remote learning curriculum.
During phase one of the reopening, the following guidelines will apply. Avoid all gatherings of more than ten people. Minimize all non-essential travel. Employers should utilize telecommunication when possible and take care to protect vulnerable populations. Visitors are not allowed access to nursing homes or assisted living centers. Childcare facilities will have to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Eating and drinking establishments and casinos will have to close by 11:30 pm. Gyms, pools, hot tubs, movie theaters, concert halls, sporting venues, bowling alleys, and bingo halls will remain closed.
During phase two of the reopening, people can gather in crowds of up to fifty people. All other places of public assembly including gyms, pools, hot tubs, movie theaters, concert halls, sporting venues, bowling alleys, and bingo halls will be free to open. Seniors and people with underlining health risks should continue to stay at home. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities will remain closed. Non-essential travel should continue to be minimized.
During phase three of the reopening, there will be no limit on group size. Vulnerable populations are free to circulate in the community granted they take necessary precautions. Visitors will be able to access nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Employers can staff their facilities to full capacity. Any recommendations or guidelines prescribed by the CDC should be followed.
Throughout the duration of the three phases, people should continue to practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands after touch potentially contaminated surfaces. Avoid touching your face. Disinfect all surfaces you come into contact with. Continue to cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow. Wear masks and gloves in public to protect yourself from possible infection. If you are sick, stay home. Infected people should continue to quarantine. Contact a medical official if you show signs of infection.
The state will continue to monitor and manage new and existing cases. Hospitals and medical centers will strive to accommodate both coronavirus patients and non-coronavirus patients. There is still an imperative to flatten the curve in order to prevent our health care system from being overburdened. We are still in the midst of a massive public health crisis and need to act accordingly. A detailed copy of Governor Bullock’s phased reopening plan can be found here.
No word yet has been given on how the reopening will affect operations at the University of Montana. Students should remain in contact with professors and university officials to retrieve the latest updates. If the reopening means that you will be called back to work, contact your employer to find out what kind of precautions are being taken to protect employees and general members of the public. Local officials will have some leeway in determining how the reopening proceeds in specific communities. Be sure to follow the directives given by law enforcement and municipal representatives.
Missoula officials have put into place their own guidelines for reopening which are stricter and more gradual than the ones issued by the governor. When commenting upon Governor Bullock’s plan for reopening, Ellen Leahy, a health official for Missoula County, related, “I’m finding this particular phased approach the governor issued statewide, when looking our community, it needs to be a little more gradual, a little better phased, and be mindful that our testing capacity isn’t where I’d like it to be.” Under Missoula guidelines, salons, barbershops, massage studios, and spas will remain closed throughout the duration of Phase 1. Mainstreet and retail businesses such as shops and restaurants will be allowed to reopen on May 1st granted they adhere to strict requirements. Dining establishments will have to follow strict guidelines related to social distancing, sanitation, and capacity. Public gatherings should number no more than twenty-five people. These guidelines will remain in place throughout the duration of Phase 1 or until local officials choose to rescind them. A detailed list and explanation of local Missoula County restrictions can be found here.
In the next couple of weeks, student renters should be able to venture out into the community in search of new housing arrangements for next year. Take the necessary precautions while scouting for new places to live. Landlords and property management companies will likely issue their own set of guidelines as communities around the state begin to reopen. Take care to follow these guidelines in order to protect your own safety and those you come into contact with.
The Governor’s directives limiting foreclosures, evictions, and disconnections from utility service are extended through May 24. For individuals who are members of a vulnerable population and who remain sheltered at home, the protections of the Governors Directives will expire 30 days after the individual ceases to shelter at home or at the end of the emergency, whichever is sooner.
Anyone in need of assistance can contact the Renter Center for consultation. We are still operating remotely for the time being but would be glad to help anyone in need. We hope to provide updated information as conditions continue to evolve.
