In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Montana Governor Steve Bullock issued a statewide 'Stay at Home' order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The directive goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 28 through April 10.

As directed in the order, Montana residents are urged to stay home, but will be allowed to leave home for essential activities and essential services.

Additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported Thursday afternoon. Montana has 90 confirmed cases. 38 of the confirmed cases are in Gallatin County.

Under the directive, Montanans may leave their homes for essential activities, including:

  • For health and safety - To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members (including, but not limited to, pets), such as, by way of example only and without limitation, seeking emergency services, obtaining medical supplies or medication, or visiting a health care professional.
  • For necessary supplies and services - To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or household members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others, such as, by way of example only and without limitation, groceries and food, household consumer products, supplies they need to work from home, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.
  • For outdoor activity - To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with social distancing, as defined below, such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, running, or biking. Individuals may go to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas, including public lands in Montana provided they remain open to recreation. Montanans are discouraged from outdoor recreation activities that pose enhanced risks of injury or could otherwise stress the ability of local first responders to address the COVID-19 emergency (e.g., backcountry skiing in a manner inconsistent with avalanche recommendations or in closed terrain).
  • For certain types of work - To perform work providing essential products and services at essential businesses or operations or to otherwise carry out activities specifically permitted in this directive, including Minimum Basic Operations.
  • To take care of others - To care for a family member, friend, or pet in another household, and to transport family members, friends, or pets as allowed by this directive.

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