COVID-19

Local

08/04/2020 - 10:11am
More food support grants announced
HELENA – A total of $212,500 in additional grant funds were awarded to food programs across the state, Gov. Steve Bullock and First Lady Lisa Bullock announced July 30. The grants were awarded to the following organizations for continued operation...
Virus cases climb to 27 in Beaverhead County
HS refines school transportation, in-class instruction plans
Overwhelmed labs prompt local COVID testing cancellation
Fair, rodeo plans approved
Mask order in effect to combat virus case spikes

State

08/04/2020 - 1:58pm
Meat processors receive coronavirus relief dollars
HELENA – More than 60 meat processing businesses across the state received more than $7.5 million in coronavirus relief grants. Gov. Steve Bullock announced the grant recipients Aug. 4. The grants were awarded through the Montana Meat Processing...
Schools to have more flexibility for remote learning during pandemic
Access to health care grants announced
As mask rules get tighter in U.S. West, opposition gets loud
MSU to process surveillance tests
Schools to receive $75 million in coronavirus relief funds for reopening needs

Nation

05/19/2020 - 12:52pm
Telehealth providers awarded $260,000 in COVID-19 grants
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $264,651 in grants to Montana organizations to increase telehealth capabilities in response to the coronavirus...
FBI warns of coronavirus scams
IRS creates web tool for non-filers to get economic impact payments
UPDATED: USDA institutes measures to help rural communities, businesses affected by COVID-19
IRS takes steps to provide taxpayer relief related to coronavirus
President extends 'slow the spread' campaign to end of April

County opens its doors, distancing remains in effect

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The statewide gradual reopening of businesses led the county commission to officially open the Beaverhead County Courthouse doors Monday.

Montana moving to phase 2 reopening, gatherings up to 50 people

Gatherings of up to 50 people will begin to be allowed June 1, as Montana moves into Phase 2 of its reopening plan for the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Steve Bullock announced the phase progression in a press call Tuesday.

Physical distancing will continue to be required, as will stepped up disinfection and sanitation protocols. Vulnerable populations are asked to continue to isolate. Nursing and assisted living homes will continue to operate under Phase 1 guidelines, with no visitors (except in compassionate care situations).

Half a million masks secured for health care workers

HELENA – Montana received a shipment of 500,000 N95 masks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) May 18, to be stored at the state warehouse.

"I’m grateful that FEMA and our federal partners assisted in getting the supplies we need to continue to mitigate the virus and I will continue to push for a consistent supply to support our ongoing efforts," Gov. Steve Bullock said. "The masks we secured today will ensure our health care workers, who are the backbone of the fight against COVID-19, have what they need to safely do their jobs."

Energy assistance program extended for pandemic

HELENA – An additional $5 million in federal CARES Act funding will be available for Montanans struggling to afford home energy costs because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Steve Bullock announced the program assistance extension May 14.

Telehealth providers awarded $260,000 in COVID-19 grants

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $264,651 in grants to Montana organizations to increase telehealth capabilities in response to the coronavirus pandemic, it announced May 13.

Nationally, $15 million was awarded to 159 organizations across five health workforce programs. The awards are funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Council meets for first time in a long time

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Ambivalence featured prominently at last week’s Dillon City Council meeting, the first complete meeting held by the city’s legislative body in around two months.

Reopening guidelines issued for gyms, theaters

Beaverhead County will continue to operate by appointment only, until all departments have the supplies they need to keep employees and the public safe from potential coronavirus spread.

State receives swabs, transport medium for virus testing

HELENA – Montana received 19,500 swabs and 9,000 viral transport medium from the federal government on May 11  to assist statewide testing efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

The supplies will allow for continued testing of Montanans with symptoms of the viral disease, and allow for ramping up testing in vulnerable populations such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and tribal communities.

Childcare grants available due to pandemic

HELENA – Montana childcare providers now have access to $10 million in federal CARES Act funding to assist with reopening.

The $10 million is funded through the CARES Act Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). It is not part of the state's $1.25 billion coronavirus relief fund dollars. The grants became available May 6.

Emergency grants available through statewide CARES Act funds

HELENA – Families, small businesses, nonprofits, health services centers and individuals across the state who have been hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic can apply for grant funding through nine new programs created in response to the pandemic.

The $123 million in grants became available May 7, Gov. Steve Bullock said.