(Helena, Mont., July 10, 2020) – As part of an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 across the state, the Montana Hospital Association and the Montana Department of Commerce today announced shipments of 45,000 free cloth face coverings to 25 communities statewide.

The State of Montana prioritizes the health and safety of our citizens and visitors. We are closely monitoring the impacts of coronavirus or COVID-19 and are updating this page as-needed with new information. 

GREAT FALLS – Lt. Governor Mike Cooney today visited the Great Falls Public Library to see firsthand how the library is continuing to provide essential services to the public, including serving as a 2020 Census Be Counted Site and utilizing a $10,000 state Coronavirus Relief Fund grant to create a drive thru window to ensure Montanans have access to library services while minimizing the risk of spreading COVID-19.

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today announced the creation of a loan deferment program to assist Montana businesses impacted by COVID-19.

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today announced funding through the federal CARES Act will be used to boost in-state processing and storage capacity for local meat processors, to provide additional financial assistance for small businesses, and to reimburse local governments for COVID-19 related expenses.

Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice today announced that Montana received a shipment of 30,000 surgical masks this week through the state’s long-standing sister-state and trade relationship with Taiwan.

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today announced further efforts to protect communities heading into Phase Two of the Reopening the Big Sky Plan on June 1, including additional resources for community testing and contact tracing in high-visitation communities, an informational campaign to educate visitors on responsible travel, and a grant program for small businesses across the state to implement safety measures.

More than half of Montana households have now self-responded to the 2020 Census, yet the state still lags behind the national average for responding to the once-in-a-decade count.

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today announced the state will move to Phase Two of the Reopening the Big Sky plan and will lift the 14-day out-of-state travel quarantine beginning June 1 as Montana continues to have the lowest number of positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations per capita. 

Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice today announced the winners of the 2020 Montana Tourism Awards, recognizing the significant contributions Montanans have made to the state’s tourism and recreation industries.