Gov. Extends Stay-At-Home Directive Until April 24

Montana Public Radio | By Corin Cates-Carney

Published April 7, 2020 at 4:20 PM MDT

North Higgins Ave. in Missoula was mostly empty on the morning of April 3. Gov. Bullock's stay-at-home directive says, with some exceptions, that all individuals currently living within the State of Montana are directed to stay at home or at their place of residence to the greatest extent possible.

Gov. Steve Bullock is extending Montana’s stay-at-home order for at least another two weeks, until April 24.

Bullock announced the move to continue the state’s largest social distancing orders in a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

"We can and we must keep efforts up to flatten the curve."

Public health officials warn that without physical social distancing the case numbers of the novel coronavirus will rise and make it difficult for hospitals and clinics to take care of patients.

The governor’s two-week extension closes public schools and non-essential businesses; limits non-essential travel and requires a two-week self-quarantine for people coming into Montana. Bars and restaurants can remain open for pick-up and delivery only.

State health officials say there is not widespread transmission of the COVID-19 illness in Montana but the virus is spreading within communities in several counties.

As of Monday there are 319 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Montana. Six people have died from the illness. 57 people have recovered.

See what's closed, what's open and what's considered "essential."