Montana starts re-open process

A general “stay at home” directive from the governor of Montana expired Monday, though other emergency orders were extended as the state begins to “re-open” portions of society and the economy.

Restrictions on individuals expired Sunday, along with provisions that allowed houses of worship to open with limited capacity, then those for “non-essential” business on Monday, while bar, restaurant and casino closures will go until at least May 4.

Gyms, theatres, concert halls, bingo halls, will remain closed until a future phase is announced. Senior living and care facilities must continue to prohibit visitors. Childcare facilities can remain open, but under stepped-up hygiene protocols.

Local school boards will have the ability to re-open as soon as May 7. Officials in Havre has told local media outlets reopening is unlikely, but the issue would be discussed on Tuesday.

All individuals in Montana should maintain physical separations, and those considered “vulnerable” to the respiratory illness and those older than 65 should remain isolated, the order states.

Montana health officials reported only one new case of the coronavirus on Monday, bringing the total number over six weeks to 449 in the state of one million residents. Of those 352 are considered recovered, 11 are currently in hospital. A total of 14 people have died.

The number of cases in Hill County, comprising Havre and surrounding area, has remained at one since late March. Most, 146 of the state’s cases, have been centred in Gallatin County, near Idaho, and Billings (79).

The Canada-U.S. border is closed to personal travel though commercial traffic and travel considered essential by border control agencies in both countries is allowed.