Reopening: Phase Two

Phase 2 reopening began Monday, June 1, 2020.

Despite changes in restrictions, individual responsibility — such as good hygiene, frequent cleaning of highly-touched surfaces, and strict adherence to social distancing — remains our community’s best tool in the fight against new infections.

There is no set expiration date for Phase 2.

Effective November 6:

  • Avoid gathering in groups of more than 25 people where physical distancing is not possible.
  • Groups larger than 25 people should be canceled unless physical distancing can be maintained.
  • It is recommended to continue to social distance in gatherings of any size. Physical distancing guidelines for groups and gatherings do not apply to household members.
  • If you are planning an event with more than 25 people, you should consult with the Gallatin City-County Health Department on a plan to implement an maintain adequate social distancing. Submit your plan here.

Vulnerable individuals should continue to adhere to the stay-at-home guidance.

Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.

  • All businesses may operate, provided they adhere to physical distancing.
  • Employers should continue to permit telework as much as possible and where feasible, but refer to the guidelines that follow where telework is not possible.
  • Develop and implement appropriate policies, in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance, and informed by industry best practices, regarding:
    • Social distancing and protective equipment
    • Temperature checks and/or symptom screening
    • Collaborate with public health on testing, isolating, and contact tracing
    • Sanitation
    • Use and disinfection of common and high-traffic areas

Any ongoing conditions for specific businesses are outlined under their business type further down this page.

Effective June 1, the provisions of the March 30 Directive requiring quarantine for non- work-related arrivals in Montana will no longer be in effect.

  • The Montana National Guard remains authorized to conduct temperature checks, assess individuals for COVID-19 symptoms, and to inquire about exposure history of any traveler arriving in Montana from another state or country through air or rail travel, consistent with the terms and restrictions provided in the March 30 Directive.
  • The State will execute a robust public health plan in communities most impacted by tourism, including:
    • Surveillance testing of employees.
    • Enhanced contact tracing resources deployed to these areas as requested by local authorities.
    • Ability to surge personal protective equipment to impacted health care systems.
    • Guidelines for operation for businesses that see high-tourist activity.

Beginning May 7, 2020, all schools had the option to return to in-classroom teaching delivery.

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Beginning April 27, 2020, personal care businesses (salons, massage, body art, etc.) were able to reopen with strict adherence to physical distancing protocols. Establishments should continue to provide for physical distancing between stations.

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  • Closing time at these establishments is 10:00 p.m.
  • Capacity is 50% of normal operating capacity.
  • Tables must be limited to 6 people per table.
  • Establishments must continue to provide for physical distancing between groups and or tables, but may increase capacity.
  • In-house dining for quick service restaurants should remain closed if all guidelines can’t be met, including the cleaning of every table between customers.
  • Bar seating is allowed, but with restrictions:
    • No bar seating within 6 feet of a well or taps, an area where drinks are passed to servers, ice machines, or other areas used to prepare or serve food or beverages.
    • Bar stools should be spaced 6 feet apart.
    • No standing or mingling allowed at the bar or elsewhere.
    • A physical barrier may be used if 6 feet can’t be kept between patrons and servers/staff.
  • Poker rooms are allowed to open.
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Overview
  • Senior Living or Assisted Living Facilities must continue to prohibit visitors.
  • Those who do interact with residents and patients must ensure strict protocols regarding hygiene and protection are followed. This includes daily screening of staff for symptoms and preventing ill workers from working.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Screening and diagnostic testing
  • Residents and staff in congregate settings are a priority for COVID-19 testing. We currently have sufficient capacity to test all symptomatic staff and residents in an efficient manner.
    • Continue to closely monitor residents and staff daily for symptoms of COVID-19.
    • If a resident or employee has symptoms of COVID-19, notify the Gallatin City- County Health Department (GCCHD) at 406-582-3100 (Option 1)
    • GCCHD will arrange for the resident or employee to be tested for COVID-19

Child-care facilities can increase capacity consistent with the guidelines and FAQ contained in the April 1 Directive on childcare and if physical distancing guidelines can be implemented. However, the 24-person cap per facility no longer applies effective June 1.

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Gyms, indoor group fitness classes, pools, and hot tubs can operate at 50 percent capacity. They must also adhere to strict physical distancing and perform frequent sanitation protocols.

Outdoor recreation remains in the same operational status as Phase One.

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Concert halls, bowling alleys, and other places of assembly may operate with reduced capacity. They also must adhere to strict physical distancing guidelines set forth for group gatherings and follow CDC sanitation protocols.

Overview
  • Day camps and youth sports camps may operate with strong precautionary measures as identified in the guidance below. We encourage all summer camp operators to read this guidance and the Governor’s Phase 2 Directive.
Helpful Links

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COVID-19

EXPLORE MORE:
COVID-19 CALL CENTER
  • Monday – Friday
  • 8 AM to 5 PM (MST)
  • 406-582-3163

Non-English speaking options available.