Governor Bullock Holds COVID-Related Press Conference

State officials urged Montana residents to follow COVID-19 health guidelines when taking part in Halloween activities this weekend.

“We aren’t taking your holidays away,” said Stacey Anderson, lead epidemiologist for Department of Health and Human Services, during a press call on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

She urged residents to be creative while celebrating Halloween. She mentioned meeting in smaller groups or perhaps having a movie night.

Anderson said people who do trick-or-treating should do so in smaller groups. Also, participants should remember social distancing guidelines so avoid coming in contact with other groups. Interaction should be kept at a short time while going door to door.

When you get home with your treats, everybody should be encouraged to wash their hands throughly.

People who hand out treats are recommended to separate treats in bags before giving them out.

Gov. Steve Bullock notes that 47 states are experiencing COVID cases. Montana has more than 300 COVID related deaths reported. “We are only to see our hospitals being stretched,” Bullock said.

The governor stressed that residents need to take recommended precautions such as avoiding large gatherings, washing hands often, staying home when sick and wearing face coverings.

Bullock urged residents to get their flu shots to not only protect themselves but to protect others as well. He recommended going to vaccinefinder.org to find options for getting your flu shot.

He said that schools have been reached out to regarding receiving more CARES funding. The money must be spent by the end of the calendar year.

Bullock noted Montana ranks ninth in the nation for having CARES funds committed. He said 97 percent of the funds are committed and 60 percent have been distributed.