Gov. Steve Bullock is tightening the existing COVID-19 restrictions in Montana. The new rules will go into effect on Friday.
Facemasks will be required in all counties regardless of the number of active cases.
Additionally, the capacity at restaurants, bars, and casinos will be reduced to 50%. A limit of six people per table will also go into effect. The businesses must close by 10 p.m.
Public gatherings will also be limited to 25 people where social distancing is not possible, and to require face coverings in all counties regardless of case count.
"We’re all sick of this virus. We all have to collectively recognize that this virus won’t stop spreading in our communities any time soon unless we take collective action soon,” Gov. Bullock said.
Click here to read the full directive issued by Gov. Bullock.
Watch the full press conference below:
Gov. Bullock also announced he would direct unspent Coronavirus Relief Funds to aid businesses impacted by the restrictions and provide $200 a week in additional unemployment benefits to Montanans for four weeks.
The governor's directive also modifies the requirements described in the July 15 Directive providing for the mandatory use of face coverings in certain settings and the August 12 Directive providing for the mandatory use of face coverings in all K-12 schools to apply in all counties statewide, whether or not a county has identified four active cases.
The Montana Response COVID-19 tracking map reported an additional 1,500 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday morning. An additional 21 COVID-19 deaths were also reported.