GREAT FALLS — Governor Steve Bullock plans to host a news conference on Thursday (April 9) at 3:30 p.m to provide updates on Montana’s response to COVID-19.
You can watch the news conference live on KRTV, or in the video player here:
As of Thursday at 10 a.m. (April 9), there have been a total of 354 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Montana, an increase of 19 since Wednesday. There have been six deaths to date (source/map). There have been three deaths in Toole County, and one each in Lincoln County, Madison County, and Missoula County.
There have now been 36 hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients in Montana, and 157 recovered patients. The DPHHS public health lab in Helena has completed 7,860 tests for COVID-19, including 462 tests since yesterday's update.
CLOSURES & RESTRICTIONS: During a news conference on Tuesday, April 7, Bullock ordered the extension of the "stay at home" order designed to curb the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Montana. The original order was issued on March 26 and runs through Friday, April 10. The extension will now last through Friday, April 24.
Bullock also said on Tuesday that public K-12 schools across the state will remain closed through April 24. Other directives previously issued by the governor have also been extended through April 24, including the closure of bars, casinos, and other non-essential businesses; the closure of dine-in service for restaurants; the temporary suspension of evictions and foreclosures; and prohibiting for now shutting off of utilities for nonpayment. RELATED: What businesses are considered "essential?
Bullock also recommended that Montanans wear cloth face masks when they're out in public, such as in grocery stores and pharmacies. He also extended the order requiring incoming travelers to Montana to enter into a 14-day self-quarantine.
US/WORLD: According to Johns Hopkins University, the worldwide numbers as of Thursday morning are: 1,503,900 confirmed COVID-19 cases; 89,931 deaths; and 340,112 patients have recovered. The U.S. numbers are: 432,579 confirmed cases; 14,830 deaths; and 24,213 patients have recovered.
CONTINUING COVERAGE:
- COVID-19 restrictions extended through April 24
- Model predicts fewer deaths in MT than original estimate
- Why it's hard to know exactly how many people have recovered
- National Guard troops activated for COVID-19 response in Montana
- Unemployment claims skyrocket in Montana due to COVID-19
- Joint Information Center ready to answer COVID-19 questions
- "Stay at home" order aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19
- What businesses are considered "essential" in Montana?
- Lincoln County man identified as first COVID-19 death in Montana
- Why COVID-19 is causing more concern than the flu