Gov. Bullock extends closures, restricts some gatherings; 19 cases reported in Gallatin County

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock Tuesday extended closures of schools and places to dine-in and added new restrictions limiting how many people can gather outside of homes, saying the state expects to see an increase in novel coronavirus cases — including those contracted in-state.

Bullock announced during a press conference that public schools and dine-in service at places to eat and drink must remain closed through April 10. He said some people have questioned why he hasn’t closed schools for the rest of the year or if the two-week extension means he thinks life will “be back to normal” then.

“I don’t think it would be wise or serve in the best interest of Montanans at this time to make decisions that will have finality for what Montana might look like eight or 10 weeks down the road,” Bullock said.

Bullock also said he was issuing a directive prohibiting “non-essential” social and recreational gatherings of more than 10 people if they’re outside of a residence and can’t stay at least 6 feet apart. Bullock said at this time the state wasn’t defining nonessential.

Read more: https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/coronavirus/gov-bullock-extends-closures-restricts-some-gatherings-cases-reported-in/article_dd328be1-5d00-5519-8e23-ba3c125d8d31.html