Bullock announces plan to gradually reopen ‘Big Sky’

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock Wednesday announced a plan to gradually reopen the state, including schools, but people who visit from out-of-state will still be subject to a 14-day quarantine in the first phase of reopening.

That effectively puts tourism in Montana on hold for the time being.

Bullock said there would not be a set timeline for first phase, which includes the travel ban.

“What we have to do is see what happens on the ground in Montana,” he said. “Montanans worked hard so we could get to this point to lift (restrictions).”

The measured approach would allow schools the option to reopen and would also allow restaurants, bars and “Main Street” businesses to reopen.

In phase one, the stay-at-home order will be allowed to expire Sunday morning.

Bullock said he has had conversations with the superintendents of national parks in the state. He said he hoped they would adhere to the phased approach. Glacier National Park is one of more than 100 nationwide that closed due to coronavirus concerns.

“I hope they respect and work with us as we work through these phased approaches,” he said.

On May 7, schools may reopen if they so choose, with appropriate precautions. Schools aren’t required to reopen — it’s up to locally elected school boards, Bullock noted.

Churches can hold services, with appropriate social distancing on April 26, though people should avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more where there’s no way to keep 6 feet apart.

Retail “Main Street” businesses can reopen April 27 and bars, restaurants and distilleries May 4.

But businesses must have accommodations for social distancing. You won’t, for example, be able to sit the bar and have a drink. Restaurants will have to space tables, and halve their allowed capacity, Bullock said.

All patrons must be out of bars and restaurants by 11:30 p.m.

Nursing homes and assisted living centers would also stay closed and people in high risk categories are still encouraged to stay home. Public gyms, pools, hot tubs, theaters, concerts, bingo halls and the like will remain closed.

Folks are still encouraged to wear masks at places where there can be crowds, like the grocery store. People should also limit non-essential travel, both personal and business.

In the second phase, group sizes can be expanded to 50 people, but vulnerable groups should continue to follow stay-at-home guidelines. Gyms and the like can reopen and gatherings outside of churches with less than 50 people would be allowed.

Bullock strongly cautioned that easing of restrictions should not be considered a victory.

“This is no time to spike the football,” he said.

He said Montana didn’t get the low infection rate by accident. It was from communities coming together and adhering to regulations that were adopted based on science and advice from the medical community.

On a sad note, while the number of cases statewide continues level off, the 14th person died on Wednesday from coronavirus, a person from Flathead County who was under age 65 and had an underlying health condition.