Montana Public Radio

Coronavirus

  • The novel coronavirus.
    Centers For Disease Control

Find the latest news about the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 in Montana here. This post will be updated daily, with newer information at the top.

You can also find more Montana-related coronavirus information from the state health department, as well as updates from the CDC and tips for preventing and dealing with COVID-19.

In Arizona, Nearly 1 In 4 Coronavirus Tests Now Comes Back Positive

By Will Stone • Jul 2, 2020

Arizona is contending with one of the worst outbreaks of any state as coronavirus cases surge again across the United States. Hospitals are bracing for a wave of seriously ill patients, and health officials are pleading with the public to wear masks and heed guidance about social distancing — even in the absence of a second stay-at-home order.

More Than One-Third COVID-19 Deaths In Montana Were Native Americans

By • Jul 2, 2020

The most recent data analysis this week by Montana’s Department of Health and Human Services revealed more about COVID-19’s impact on Native Americans. 

Health Officials Worry Independence Day Gatherings Could Accelerate Coronavirus Spread

By • Jul 2, 2020

Montana officials announced 67 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, breaking the state’s record for the most new cases in a single day. Health officials worry large gatherings for the Fourth of July could accelerate the spread of the novel coronavirus.

State Releases Two Sets Of School Reopening Guidelines

By • Jul 2, 2020
Lockers in an empty school hallway.
PD

Two separate reopening guides for Montana schools were released on Thursday, one from the governor’s office and the other from the state’s office of public instruction. Neither document is an order, but were presented as ideas for schools to consider when reopening.

Montana’s K-12 schools shut down in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s still unclear exactly how they plan to reopen for students this fall.

Face Masks Mandatory In Most Of Texas, Starting Friday

By Rachel Treisman • Jul 2, 2020

Starting Friday, wearing face masks will be the law of the land in most of Texas.

Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order on Thursday requiring Texans to wear face coverings in public in counties with 20 or more COVID-19 cases.

NBA Says 9 More Players Test Positive For Coronavirus

By Brakkton Booker • Jul 2, 2020

The NBA and the league's players union announced Thursday nine more players have tested positive for the coronavirus. The news comes as the league is scheduled to resume games later this month.

Maine Fireworks Businesses Struggle As Public Displays Are Canceled

By • Jul 2, 2020

Steven Marson had more than 100 contracts for public fireworks displays, the majority of them scheduled for this weekend, before the pandemic hit Maine and prompted cancellations. Now he has eight.

Marson, who runs Central Maine Pyrotechnics, says the steep decline in business has cost him about $1 million so far.

"I could be out of business if this continues into 2021 because I don't have the means to keep going when you have not revenue coming in," he says.

Marson's not alone.

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