[NFBMT-Parents] COVID-19 Update: Actions this week and important information for Montanans

Sat Mar 21 10:13:35 UTC 2020

From: Bullock, Governor <governor at mt.gov> 
Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2020 1:58 AM
Subject: COVID-19 Update: Actions this week and important information for
Montanans 

I want to update you on the actions I am taking to mitigate the impact of
COVID-19 on Montanans. During this time challenging time, I appreciate your
patience and your concerns as we act to ensure Montanans' needs are met.

Both young and older Montanans, in urban and rural communities, have tested
positive for coronavirus, making it even more clear that this virus impacts
us all and these actions are imperative to protecting our friends and
neighbors.

We face extraordinary health risks - and with it even further risks to our
economic and social well-being - if we do not act now. I do not take these
decisions lightly and they were done so in consultation with public health
professionals. Montanans, too, need to take this seriously. It's up to all of
us to stop the spread of this virus. 

I want to let you know the actions I have taken to prevent the further spread
of COVID-19 and the resources available to you and your family: 

TRAVEL ADIVSORY: This week I issued a travel advisory for Montanans who have
traveled internationally to self-quarantine for 14 days after returning to
Montana. If you have traveled internationally, please self-quarantine for 14
days and contact your local health department HERE
<https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/FCSS/countytribalhealthdepts> . 

STATEWIDE CLOSURE OF HIGH-RISK BUSINESSES: On Friday, I announced measures to
close dine-in food service and alcoholic beverage businesses and other
activities that pose enhanced health risks, effective at 8 p.m. on Friday,
March 20, 2020. This Directive expires at 11:59 p.m. on March 27, 2020, the
same day that school closures are set to expire, though the date will likely
be extended. 

Under the Directive, the following places are closed to use and occupancy by
members of the public: 

*	Restaurants, food courts, cafes, coffeehouses, and other similar
establishments offering food or beverage for on-premises consumption. 
*	Alcoholic beverage service businesses, including bars, taverns, brew
pubs, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, tasting rooms,
special licensees, clubs, and other establishments offering alcoholic
beverages for on-premises consumption. 
*	Cigar bars. 
*	Health clubs, health spas, gyms, aquatic centers, pools and hot
springs, indoor facilities at ski areas, climbing gyms, fitness studios, and
indoor recreational facilities. 
*	Movie and performance theaters, nightclubs, concert halls, bowling
alleys, bingo halls, and music halls.  
*	Casinos. 

TESTING ASSISTANCE: I have announced the State of Montana will pay for
COVID-19 tests and treatment for all uninsured Montanans. State funds and
potentially federal funds will be used to pay for testing and treatment
beginning on March 23. Access to telemedicine services are also expanded to
ensure Medicaid patients receive quality health care in their homes to
prevent unnecessary gatherings at health care facilities and slow the spread
of COVID-19. To access this emergency assistance Montanans can call
406-444-7605 or email hhspresumptive at mt.gov <mailto:hhspresumptive at mt.gov> . 

UNEMPLOYMENT: This week, I announced emergency rules to make unemployment
benefits accessible to workers laid off due to COVID-19 and waive the one
week waiting period before receiving benefits. The rules will ensure that
workers impacted by COVID-19, whether it's because they've been laid off, are
quarantined, or need to take care of a family member, can do so without
worrying about how they will make ends meet during these difficult times.

Claimants are responsible for staying in contact with their employer and
return to work when they have the opportunity. People who are eligible for
these benefits can apply online at: www.montanaworks.gov
<http://www.montanaworks.gov/>  or contact the Unemployment Insurance
Division over the phone at: (406) 444-2545. 

MONTANA TAX FILING EXTENTION TO JULY 15TH: On Friday, I extended the payment
and filing deadlines for 2019 individual income taxpayers to July 15 in
accordance with the new federal filing deadline. The deadline for those
making estimated tax payments for the first quarter of 2020 has also been
extended to July 15. The due date for the second quarter remains July 15 at
this time. Tax resources are available at: https://mtrevenue.gov/taxes/ 

SOCIAL DISTANCING: We face the potential for extraordinary health risks from
coronavirus in our state. Social distancing is one of the most important
primary protective measures to flatten the curve of this virus. I cannot
underscore the seriousness of following these measures to help our neighbors,
friends, and families. 

If you have any symptoms, stay home. Call your doctor or local public health
provider for consultation. Do not drive the doctor's office or emergency
room.

You can contact your local county or tribal health departments by finding
their contact information through the online map HERE
<https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/FCSS/countytribalhealthdepts> .

The Coronavirus Task Force has an informational phone line at 1-888-333-0461
and Montanans can also email questions to covid19info at mt.gov
<mailto:covid19info at mt.gov> . 

You can also find information on the Task Force actions at COVID19.mt.gov
<https://covid19.mt.gov/> . You can also visit the DPHHS website at
www.dphhs.mt.gov <http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/>  for the most up to date and
timely health information related to the coronavirus. 

Thank you again for your sacrifices and commitment to stopping the spread of
COVID-19 in Montana. 

It is helpful to hear from Montanans like you when I am making decisions
about the future of our state. I understand these are challenging times and
Montanans are facing many hardships. But, I have no doubt as Montanans, we
can work together and overcome this challenge. 

Sincerely, 

STEVE BULLOCK 
Governor 

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