Montana Governor Steve Bullock is ordering anyone coming into the state to self-quarantine for 14 days in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Bullock says travel from another state or country is the most common known source of COVID-19 infections in Montana.
Health officials say the virus is spreading locally in Missoula, Yellowstone and Gallatin counties. Bullock also authorized the Montana National Guard to screen people’s temperatures and potential exposure history at airports and rail stations.
The quarantine order applies to people already here for non-work-related travel and Montanans recently returned from out-of-state. It does not apply to people passing through the state on the way to somewhere else. Healthcare workers are also exempt.
Recent reporting from the Montana Free Press shows long-term bookings for vacation rentals are up in certain parts of the state.
Two Montana ranches have been featured in national magazines as places to, “ride out the coronavirus pandemic in style.”
Bullock’s order comes after some counties issued their own two week quarantine requirements for incoming travelers. Local health officials have asked attractions like Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks to close to limit tourist travel. Both parks are now closed to visitors.
