ans to learn to live ….

ans to learn to live with the virus in our presence. “We must live in a way that we recognize a significant risk is present, but understand how to live with the danger.” Bullock said an example of not living with the virus in our presence is Phillips County which went from no cases to 68 cases in a week. He explained there was an adult sporting event and then going to bars involved in the county.

Bullock urged residents to follow the request of Public Health by quarantining and isolating. “Public Health is working damn hard to protect all of us,” the governor said.

He said learning to life while following guidelines is the path to phase three. “That’s the only way we can get to phase three. And the only way for our schools to be open and remain open,” Bullock said.

The governor announced that students in both public and private schools will be required to wear masks in counties that have four or more active cases. “If we want our schools to open and want our economy to grow, we need to stride to reach the goal of phase three together.”

During the press conference, Bullock also announced that 80 percent of the CARES dollars received have been spent and $210 million are in the hands of Montanans. The business stabilization grant program will continue and businesses will be eligible for a second payment for three additional months. He said that $10 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds will be used to create a Live Entertainment Grant Program to assist the live entertainment industry.

MHSA

The Montana High School Association’s executive board met Aug. 13 and took the following actions: 1. The Board approved allowing each classification/ district/division to cancel non-conference games this season, if they so choose.

2. The Board approved the following addition to the MHSA face coverings policy: Cloth facial coverings are required for all players, coaches and officials. Face Coverings do not have to be worn during play, but substitutes must wear masks when not competing or per specific MHSA sport requirements. Face Coverings must be worn by players/coaches by rule, no matter the number of active COVID-19 cases in the county.

3. The board approved the following for the MOA:

• When necessary, because of a shortage of officials, two soccer officials can be used instead of three for varsity regular season contests.

• When necessary, because of a shortage of officials, four football officials can be used instead of five for varsity regular season contests.

4. The board approved a request from Class A to adjust football playoffs from 12 to eight teams and adjust playoff dates.

5. The board approved the following: Any MHSA activity participant who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 cannot return to play until he/ she is evaluated by a licensed health care professional, and has written clearance to return to play by both the county health department and a licensed health care professional.

Vaccines, Coverage Under Medicare U.S. Senator Steve Daines has sent a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma stressing the need to ensure Montana’s vulnerable, elderly and disabled Medicare beneficiaries have the tools and treatments they need to stay healthy during the pandemic, including access to vaccines.

“As the current COVID-19 pandemic rages on around the globe, researchers are racing to find a vaccine to protect and prevent further morbidity and mortality as a result of this novel virus. Older adults and persons with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are especially vulnerable to serious illness and complications from vaccine preventable disease,” Daines wrote. “Yet, Medicare coverage design for vaccines for these populations does not encourage access to this proven and cost-effective form of prevention. We urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to take action to address this important issue.”

Immunization coverage for Medicare beneficiaries is segmented between Medicare Part B, which covers vaccinations against influenza, pneumococcal and hepatitis B for at-risk patients and Medicare Part D, which covers all other commercially available vaccines when deemed medically necessary to prevent illness.

While many patients receive Part B-covered vaccines with no cost sharing, Part D vaccines are typically subject to cost sharing requirements. This discourages immunization among elderly, disabled and chronically ill populations who account for especially vulnerable during these challenging times.