Update 2:20 p.m. Montana Gov. Steve Bullock announced Tuesday he is extending a series of orders two weeks to April 24 aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.
These order include a stay-at-home order, the closure of schools, the closures of bars, dine-in restaurants, casinos and other nonessential businesses, and the suspension of evictions, foreclosures and the shutting off of utilities for nonpayment. He also extended the order requiring incoming travelers to Montana to enter into a 14-day self-quarantine.
In addition, Bullock also recommended Montanans wear cloth face masks when they're out in public places still open, such as grocery stores or pharmacies.
Those orders were originally scheduled to expire Friday, April 10.
Bullock said he believes these orders are working to "flatten the curve," which refers to the peak time when COVID-19 cases spike and potentially overwhelm hospitals.
In response to question, Bullock said he is not planning to impose a curfew, which is a more drastic measure to keep Montanans at home.
This is a developing story.
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock is holding a news conference to discuss the extension of his statewide directives to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Currently, Bullock has orders closing all schools statewide and a stay-at-home order closing all businesses deemed nonessential until Friday, April 10.
Bullock's office also said he plans to announce new measure to protect local governments and first responders.
The news conference is expected to start around 2 p.m.