Covid 19 Updates click here

For a sample template to send to families contact info@montanafda.org

The application period for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance begins on Monday, April 12, 2021. You must apply over the phone at 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m on or after April 12th. FEMA will not accept online applications.

If you intend to apply for this assistance, you should gather the necessary documentation before you apply. Refer to COVID-19 Funeral Assistance for more information.

If you would like to volunteer your services and time, visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster . For information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccines or dial 2-1-1 for the United Way or visit 211.org .

November 3, 2020

Total COVID Cases in Montana 35159

Total New Cases Today 909

Total number of tests completed since last report 3593

Total Number of Tests 512524

28 May 2020

How to Manage Waste from COVID-19 Patients

Proper waste management is important at any time, but it has become even more critical during the COVID-19 outbreak as the volume of contaminated materials that may require careful handling, packaging and treatment continues to grow.

Since our knowledge of the virus is continuously changing, our perspective on what constitutes safe and effective waste management is evolving as well. In this uncertain time, it is wise to stay abreast of any new requirements and double-check that your current waste management strategy aligns with the latest guidance.

How to Dispose of Waste from Coronavirus Patients

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the medical waste generated in the care and treatment of COVID-19 patients, or those who are suspected to have the virus, is no different than other regulated medical waste. So, healthcare organizations should manage COVID-19 waste according to routine procedures. This relatively broad recommendation leaves room for interpretation and sometimes confusion.

It’s important to remember that even though the CDC is an essential resource for COVID-19 guidance, it is not a regulatory body. In fact, there are no regulatory bodies at the federal level that govern medical waste disposal. Consequently, to fully ensure compliant handling of COVID-19 waste, healthcare organizations need to look to their states. As of today, there are about a dozen states that have issued specific guidance regarding COVID-19 waste management. The Stericycle COVID-19 knowledge center has a list of these states with links to their requirements.

What is Regulated Medical Waste?

Given that COVID-19 medical waste is no different than regulated medical waste, it can be helpful to revisit the definition of regulated medical waste to gain an appreciation of what types of materials this includes.

Although every state has a different definition, regulated medical waste generally includes any item contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials. Examples of regulated medical waste includes bandages, gauzes, and other visibly contaminated items, as well as contaminated sharps, such as needles, syringes and scalpels. Depending on the item, you should use red regulated medical waste bags or specially designed sharps containers for disposal.

Personal Protective Equipment Disposal

One question that is often asked during COVID-19 treatment is whether the personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by healthcare workers is considered regulated medical waste. The answer to this question, like much of the discussion of COVID-19 waste, depends on the state. For example, New Jersey indicates PPE and cleaning materials used in the care of COVID-19 patients should be treated as regulated medical waste. New York, however, says viewing these items as regulated medical waste is neither “practical or necessary.”

If after consulting your state guidelines, you are still unsure how to handle PPE, you may opt to overclassify the items, treating them as regulated medical waste even if they are typically solid waste. Note that if you opt to go that route, you need to be sure you’re following all of your state’s requirements on the disposal, packaging, and treatment of regulated medical waste as these rules are designed to keep waste generators, handlers and the public safe.

COVID-19 Testing Center and Laboratory Waste Management

Initially, there was some concern that waste generated in laboratories and testing centers was more dangerous than standard regulated medical waste and there was even some thought that this waste was similar to that of Ebola waste. However, after conversations with the CDC and other industry experts, it was determined that lab and testing site waste can be safely managed in the same way as any other biohazardous waste generated in these settings. Currently there is no evidence to suggest that this waste needs additional packaging or disinfection procedures.

That said, labs should check the chemicals used in coronavirus testing to make sure they are not considered hazardous chemical waste. And if they are, make plans to manage that waste accordingly.

Depending on the nature of tests conducted at a testing site, there may not be a lot of regulated medical waste. However, this may change going forward as new tests emerge that involve needles or other sharps. If you are setting up a testing site, plan for some degree of regulated medical waste and make sure you have processes in place for proper disposal. Also, first-time waste generators should check state regulations to verify they are following requirements for generator registration and storage.

COVID-19 Waste Management Guide

Because the response to COVID-19 is constantly evolving, it can be beneficial to have a quick way to check whether you are managing COVID-19 waste in the most appropriate manner. Here are some considerations to guide current and future waste management decisions:

• Look at your state regulations to see if you are a generator they regulate.

• Confirm if the waste you generate meets the definition of regulated medical waste.

• Check if your state has issued any additional guidance on COVID-19 waste management and what that entails.

• Don’t forget to assess any chemical components to the waste, such as cleaning agents, disinfectants, laboratory reagents. If a chemical is considered hazardous waste, does it have additional disposal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency? Also, does the chemical inactivate the virus and does that impact how the waste stream can be managed?

• Finally, be sure to check with your waste vendor and disposal facility to see if they have additional requirements. Some vendors do because of the states in which they operate or because they are doing what they think is best to preserve the safety and health of their workers.

To stay up-to-date on the latest developments regarding COVID-19 waste management, visit Stericycle’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Knowledge and Resource Center.

May 22, 2020

from the office of Joyce Wittenberg

Public Information Specialist

Joint Information Center

Montana State Emergency Coordination Center

Restrictions on how many family members and friends can attend the funeral services

As long as proper social distancing can be met there is no limit on how many can attend the services

Travel Restrictions for out of state family members and friends attending services

We just recently received some clarification on this issue. Travel to Montana for attendance at a funeral is permitted. Travelers need not quarantine but should limit contact with the public to the maximum extent possible for the duration of their stay or until June 1 – whichever is shorter.

As County Health Departments may set a stricter standard than the state, travelers are encouraged to confirm with them prior to departing.

GOVERNOR BULLOCK ANNOUNCES MONTANA TO ENTER PHASE TWO OF REOPENING PLAN ON JUNE 1ST

Tuesday, May 19, 2020/Categories: Governor's Office/Tags:

Governor Steve Bullock today announced the state will move to Phase Two of the Reopening the Big Sky plan and will lift the 14-day out-of-state travel quarantine beginning June 1 as Montana continues to have the lowest number of positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations per capita. 

“Montana has been an example for the rest of the nation in our response to this global pandemic. I have no doubt that we can continue to be that example, but only if Montanans, businesses, and visitors alike continue to take seriously the responsibility we all have in protecting others,” Governor Bullock said. “As we continue with the next phase in our reopening, our goal together as Montanans for the foreseeable future is to mitigate the spread of the virus.”

“The individual actions of Montanans have collectively made a difference. Staying 6-feet away, washing hands, wearing masks while in public, and staying home when sick, have all contributed to us being able to move forward with the plan to reopen Montana. We are at an important milestone and if each of us continues to do our part to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading, we’ll stay on the path to fully reopen Montana,” John Felton, Yellowstone County Health Officer and President/CEO of RiverStone Health, said.

“Since this COVID-19 emergency began Governor Bullock has consistently listened to city and county governments around the state as he has formulated a strategy to respond. And that strategy has worked. Thanks to Governor Bullock's leadership, Montana has escaped the tragedies other states have experienced. We are fortunate to have him at the helm as we reopen Montana. We are thankful for his commitment to ensure we will keep Montana safe during the summer months as we rebuild our economy,” Cynthia Andrus, Deputy Mayor, City of Bozeman, said.

“We are grateful for Governor Bullock’s diligence as he works to reopen Montana safely and continues to and consider the unique concerns and challenges in tribal communities including a large population of elderly Montanans and families in multi-generational households. The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council appreciate Governor Bullock has respected tribal sovereignty and decisions to put in place more restrictive measures to keep tribal communities safe and has supported our efforts to contain the virus through increased testing,” said the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council.

In consultation with public health and emergency response officials, Governor Bullock outlined the following indicators which allow Montana to move into Phase Two beginning on June 1:

• A downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period.

• The current ability to contact and trace, along with plans to add additional contact tracers to the existing workforce.

• Ensuring that health care workers have the supplies they need to treat COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients.

• Ramping up testing capacity to eventually meet a target of 60,000 tests a month and prioritizing testing for vulnerable Montanans and tribal communities. A total of 5,600 tests were conducted last week. Increased testing continues with sentinel testing efforts in nursing homes and assisting living facilities, testing events in tribal areas, and drive through testing being conducted at a few sites.

Under Phase Two, effective June 1, avoid gatherings in groups of more than 50 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. Groups larger than 50 people should be cancelled unless physical distancing can be maintained. It is recommended to continue to social distance in gatherings of any size.

Under Phase Two, effective June 1, restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and casinos remains in the same operations status as Phase One, but with an increase to 75% capacity. Gyms, indoor group fitness classes, pool, and hot tubs can operate at 75% capacity and only if they can adhere to strict physical distancing and they exercise frequent sanitation protocols. Concert halls, bowling alleys, and other places of assembly may operate with reduced capacity and if they adhere to strict physical distancing guidelines.

All businesses are required to follow the social distancing and sanitation guidelines established in Phase One, and Montanans are strongly encouraged to continue sanitation practices, including hand washing and wearing masks in public places like grocery stores.

“Social distancing, wearing a cloth mask, washing your hands, and sanitizing are all part of our new normal. If not for you, do it for others, especially for the most vulnerable among us,” Governor Bullock said. “Not following these guidelines could put us in a position where we have to go backward, instead of being able to continue to move forward.”

Vulnerable Montanans should still continue to stay home when possible during Phase Two. Visitation at nursing home and assisted living facilities remains suspended except for certain compassionate care situations.

Effective June 1, the 14-day travel quarantine for out-of-state travelers and residents arriving from another state or country to Montana for non-work-related purposes will be lifted. The Montana National Guard will continue to conduct screenings in airports and train depots and refer anyone with COVID-19-related symptoms to local public health officials.

To support Montana’s destination communities, the state will assist with establishing the following protocols:

• 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 business that see high-tourist activity.

Montana’s gradual and phased plan to reopen began on April 26 with Phase One which allowed schools, places of worship, main street and retail businesses, and restaurants, breweries, and bars to reopen under social distancing guidelines. Governor Bullock also provided additional guidance to allow gyms, movie theaters, and museums to reopen under the first phase on May 15. 

Governor Bullock and his Coronavirus Task Force will continue to monitor cases closely and carefully to analyze Montana’s work to contain the virus.

The Directive and its Appendix are posted online at covid19.mt.gov.

SBA Releases PPP Forgiveness Application and Instructions

The Small Business Administration (“SBA”) has released the Payment Protection Program (“PPP”) loan forgiveness application, which can be found HERE. The application and instructions confirm that if a borrower used at least 75% of the loan proceeds on eligible payroll costs, no more than 25% on eligible non-payroll costs, and maintained staffing and salary levels, the PPP loan may be forgiven in full. The application further confirms the forgiveness amount will be reduced correspondingly by a failure to follow these requirements.

The application and instructions provide step-by-step directions for borrowers to calculate their eligible forgiveness amounts. Additionally, they provide new guidance and points of clarification, including:

- Borrowers may now elect to utilize the “Covered Period” or an “Alternative Payroll Covered Period” that aligns with borrowers regular payroll cycles to determine the eight-week period during which loan proceeds must be spent in order to qualify for forgiveness. Borrowers who use a biweekly payroll schedule, or a more frequent schedule, may choose to have the eight-week period begin on the first day of its first pay period following loan disbursement, rather than on the date of disbursement.

- Payroll costs that are incurred, but not yet paid, during the eight-week period (capped at $15,385 per employee reflecting the PPP's $100,000 annual salary limitation) will be eligible for forgiveness if paid on or before the next regular payroll date.

- Compensation paid to owners, such as owner-employees, self-employed individuals, or general partners, are separately categorized and calculated (also capped at $15,385 per individual), but are included in payroll costs for forgiveness purposes.

- There is no penalty for a reduction in staffing if the borrower made a good-faith, written offer to rehire the employee during the eight-week period which was rejected by employee, or if the employee was fired for cause, voluntarily resigned, or voluntarily requested a reduction of hours.

- Full time equivalent (FTE) employee calculation, including the treatment of any employee who works under 40 hours per week and a simplified alternative calculation.

- Confirming the June 30, 2020, deadline to restore FTE head counts and salary/hourly wage reduction, even if that date is outside of the borrower's eight-week forgiveness period.

- Borrowers are required to indicate whether they received a loan in excess of $2 million. This corresponds with the SBA’s prior announcement that it would audit loans over $2 million to ensure that the borrower properly certified in good faith that, given current economic conditions, the loan was necessary to support ongoing operations. The SBA is providing an automatic safe harbor to borrowers receiving PPP loans with an original principal amount of less than $2 million. These borrowers “will be deemed to have made the required certification concerning the necessity of the loan request in good faith.”

- Borrowers are required to maintain all documentation related to the PPP loan for six years after the loan is forgiven or repaid in full and allow the SBA to access such files upon request.

According to the press release announcing the forgiveness application, the SBA will release additional “regulations and guidance to further assist borrowers as they complete their applications, and to provide lenders with guidance on their responsibilities.” When the guidance and regulations are released, we will provide our staff recommendations based on such.

CLICK HERE for Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application 

This list is from NFDA and is not endorsed by MFDA. Please check with MFDA Associate partners first to find supplies.

ADDITIONAL PHASE ONE GUIDELINES TO INCLUDE GYMS, MOVIE THEATERS, AND MUSEUMS

Monday, May 11, 2020/Categories: Governor's Office, Montana.gov/Tags:

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today announced additional Phase One guidelines that will allow gyms and fitness studios, movie theaters and museums the option to reopen beginning Friday, May 15 as long as they adhere to strict guidelines limiting capacity, requiring social distancing, and imposing thorough sanitation requirements.

“In consultation with public health experts, we have determined that these businesses can carefully reopen under strict capacity, social distancing, and sanitation guidelines,” Governor Bullock said. “As Montana continues to aggressively manage the virus and we move forward with the plan to reopen, I am again reminding Montanans that social distancing is vital to continue curbing the virus. All of us must do our part to stay open and stay on a path of decline in positive cases.”

“So far, Montana businesses and customers are working together to practice the social distancing and hygiene measures necessary to restart our economy, restore our collective sense of well-being and keep each other safe. I am confident we will all do our part during this important next step,” said John Felton, President and CEO of RiverStone Health.

“Health and wellness has always been our goal, and the advent of the coronavirus has only sharpened that focus. Our commitment is to our members, and our communities, keeping them safe. The protocols established by the state and the fitness industry will be instrumental in this endeavor. We want to bring back the physical and mental well-being of Montanans, get past this pandemic and return to what we do best - helping you stay fit and healthy,” said Doug Mahlum, Montana Athletic Club.

The reopening date is set at May 15 at the request of the businesses and local public health to allow time to prepare and ensure guidance is being followed. 

Under the updated guidance developed with input from public health officials, fitness studios, gyms and pools in gyms can begin operating at 50 percent capacity and with strict guidelines including requiring staff to sanitize frequently touched areas and equipment during hours of operation, train workers on symptoms and handwashing technique as well as posting relevant signage instructing members with symptoms to stay home. Hand sanitizer must be available, employees should wear masks and guests should wear masks when possible. Additionally, a six-foot distance must be maintained between equipment and in locker rooms. Personal training may be allowed if social distancing can be maintained. Indoor group classes may not be offered and outdoor group classes can be conducted as long as social distancing is maintained and in groups of 10 or fewer if appropriate physical distancing is not possible.

Gym pools are allowed to operate at half capacity as well. The CDC has indicated that properly maintained pool water inactivates the virus. It is critical that pools that have shut down during this time or reduced maintenance follow proper reopening procedures and sampling to ensure the water is safe for use before opening. In the event a confirmed COVID-19 case is associated with a facility the facility should clean in accordance with CDC’s facility environmental cleaning procedures for workout areas, seating, locker rooms, and other areas of the establishment frequented by swimmers. Pool classes may continue if social distancing can be observed and swimmers should maintain a six foot distance in the pool at all times. Guidance was also issued this week to allow pools at licensed public accommodations (Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, Tourist Homes, etc) to operate if at a 50 percent capacity and with additional social distancing and safety measures.

Non-tactile museums and movie theaters will be allowed to open under the updated guidance. Interactive museums or museums that allow touch interactions and displays and live performance theaters cannot operate.

Museums and theaters must keep their capacity at 50 percent and maintain six feet between non family members or the immediate party. Signage must be posted instructing those who have COVID-19 related symptoms to stay home. Facilities must increase cleaning and sanitizing of frequently touched surfaces and control customer flow to maximize distancing. Hand sanitizer or hand washing stations must be available and each venue should create and implement a written COVID-19 response plan. Cleaning and sanitizing should be completed no less than every two hours. Facilities should install shielding between workers and attendees whenever possible.

Theaters should increase cleaning time period between events, performances and showings to ensure that commonly touched areas such as arm rests and railings are cleaned frequently. Ushers should monitor and enforce social distancing in theaters. At museums, gift shops are also limited to 50 percent capacity.

The full guidance can be read HERE.

Montana is still under phase one of the Reopening the Big Sky phased approach and adjustment of the phases is at the discretion of the Governor. Other places of assembly such as performance theaters, concert halls, bowling alleys, bingo halls, music halls, and pools that are not in gyms or at a licensed public accommodation shall remain closed. Gatherings should continue to be avoided in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. Senior living and assisted living facilities must continue to restrict visitors. The 14-day travel quarantine remains in effect.

 COVID-19 UPDATES

MFDA sent a letter to the governor earlier this week requesting that the governor deem funeral providers as critical business and their employees critical workers. The Governor's order includes the funeral industry as essential businesses..

March 30, 2020

Today I directed that all travelers coming into Montana from another state or country for non-work-related purposes must undergo a 14-day self-quarantine.

The Directive follows my previous travel advisory for those traveling internationally, and also advises vacation listings and rental sites to notify any out-of-state renters about the quarantine requirement.

Health care workers traveling to assist Montanans are excluded from the Directive.

My Directive applies both to Montana residents and non-residents entering the state for non-work-related purposes. It requires a self-quarantine for 14 days, or the duration of the traveler’s non-work trip to Montana.

Further, the Directive authorizes the Montana National Guard to conduct temperature checks at Montana airports and rail stations and screen for potential exposure history for travelers arriving in Montana from another state or country.

You can read my full Directive HERE.

While we love our visitors, we would ask them not to come visit while Montanans are watching out for one another by staying at home. This is important not only to protect our health care system, but also to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

As of today, travel from another state or country is the most common known source of COVID-19 infections in Montana. I am asking anyone who is in Montana and has recently traveled from another state or country to do the right thing and self-quarantine for 14 day.

Thank you again for your comments to my office and your continued work to share important information with our Montana communities. Please continue to practice social distancing guidelines and stay at home unless it is essential.

My top priority is to protect the health and safety of all Montanans. I will continue to closely monitor the situation of cross-state travel as more information becomes available, and I will take any further action needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

Sincerely,

STEVE BULLOCK
Governor 

To Customers of the Dodge Company:

We’ve had numerous inquires regarding the handling of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and want to address everyone’s concerns as best we can.

Universal Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment should always be used, regardless of the situation.

The CDC has released a guide to postmortem care to be “utilized by medical examiners, coroners, pathologists, other workers involved in the postmortem care of deceased PUI, and local and state health departments.” We encourage you to read this information. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-postmortem-specimens.html

Embalming:

Dodge suggests at least a 5% formaldehyde solution for your arterial embalming. To calculate a 5% solution, use the Dodge Arterial Solution calculator which can be downloaded at: dodgeco.com/apps

You select which Dodge arterial(s) you would like to use, the desired concentration percentage and the total volume of solution you want to mix, and the Arterial Solution Calculator will tell you how much arterial is needed.

https://www.memphis.edu/ehs/pdfs/disinfectant.pdf

Formalin is a 37% solution of formaldehyde gas in water. Diluted to 5% formaldehyde it is an effective disinfectant; at 0.2% - 0.4% it can inactivate bacteria and viruses. Unlike chlorine, formalin does not corrode stainless steel. It has a pungent, irritating odor; exposures must be limited due to its toxicity and carcinogenicity.

Page 2 of 3

Disinfection - Body:

For purposes of topical disinfection of a deceased person (skin surfaces), Dis-Spray meets the level of alcohol percentage recommended by the CDC of 60% to be effective on skin. While the SDS of Dis-Spray states a range of isopropyl alcohol between 50%-70%, it is over 60%. Dis-Spray should NOT be used on living tissue. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019ncov%2Fabout%2Fprevention-treatment.html

CDC also mentions that environmental surfaces should be disinfected with either an EPA registered disinfectant or an alcohol-based disinfectant of 70% or above alcohol percentage. The difference of 10% for skin tissue compared to environmental surfaces is difficult to understand, but it is the information that the CDC has published. Dis-Spray is slightly under 70%, however customers may make the decision to use it for their peace of mind if another product is not available. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

Disinfection - Surfaces:

Fresh Breeze TB (EPA Registration 1839-83-8325) and Solucide (1839-83-15136) fall under one of the EPA registrations for COVID-19 for disinfection.

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf

Masks and Hand Sanitizer:

Dodge is out of stock on N-95 & R-95 masks as well as hand sanitizer. We do not have an estimated time frame as to when these items will be back in stock due to the high demand.

Page 3 of 3

N95 Masks: (link updated 4.3.2020) Visit FEMA’s website: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-management-agencies to find the Emergency Management Agencies in each state. This is where FEMA allocates N95 Healthcare respirators that are available and those being manufactured. If someone is requisitioning N95 masks, this is the organization they need to contact.

Additional Information on the N-95 mask:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIOSH_air_filtration_rating

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-and-surgical-masks-face-masks

GOVERNOR BULLOCK OUTLINES FRAMEWORK TO RAMP UP MONTANA’S TESTING CAPACITY

GOVERNOR BULLOCK LAYS OUT TESTING PROTOCOLS, ESTABLISHES STRIKE TEAMS

Thursday, April 30, 2020/Categories: Governor's Office, Montana.gov/Tags:

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today outlined a framework to ramp up testing capacity in Montana over the next several months with a goal to eventually conduct 60,000 tests per month and prioritize testing for vulnerable Montanans in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, tribal communities, and those with COVID-19 symptoms.

“As we enter phase one, we are committed to further ramping up our testing capacity in the state,” Governor Bullock said. “Among our core preparedness responsibilities is ensuring our ability to test symptomatic people for COVID-19 and trace contacts of COVID positive results, which we have been doing effectively. Additionally, we are ramping up efforts to support testing for vulnerable Montanans, our tribal communities, and those with COVID-19 symptoms as we continue to suppress the virus.”

“Montana's nursing homes and assisted living facilities have worked tirelessly to protect our vulnerable seniors during this very challenging time and we welcome and appreciate Governor Bullock's initiative to assure availability of testing for our staff and residents. There is widespread support for this effort among our facilities and we are happy to collaborate in every way we can,” said Rose Hughes, Executive Director, Montana Health Care Association.

“We appreciate the governor’s support for tribal sovereignty and partnership in protecting tribal communities. We are vigilant in our efforts to keep our communities safe and the testing approach outlined by the governor will help support our efforts,” said President Andrew Werk of the Fort Belknap Indian Community Council.

“This testing framework will provide the support needed for our Montana citizens, moreover, this will provide our nurse practitioner and physician led, independent rural health care clinics, the ability to provide the much needed care directly to those patients. This allows these rural patients to receive healthcare within their rural communities,” said Vicky Byrd, Chief Executive Officer, Montana Nurses Association.

Governor Bullock also established five strike teams made up of a certified nurse and National Guard Members to be deployed across Montana to respond to COVID-19 cases in nursing homes and long term care facilities or to provide training and assistance with proper infectious disease control protocols as requested.

Using funds from the CARES Act, Governor Bullock is establishing a $5 million grant program available to local health departments, tribal public health, and urban Indian clinicsto enhance existing COVID-19 contact tracing programs, support local businesses in developing plans to safely reopen and adhere to social distancing guidelines, and increase education or enforcement activity.

The testing framework outlined by Governor Bullock will be supported by both federal and private partnerships. The federal government recently committed to supplying states with 12.7 million swabs each month beginning in May.

Last week the state received 5,000 swabs from FEMA and 10,000 more swabs on Tuesday to begin ramping up testing. Another 7,000 swabs from FEMA are expected to arrive this week. Governor Bullock also sourced an additional 3,000 swabs from a private vendor that arrived this week.

With a consistent supply chain of swabs and other testing materials such as reagents, Montana can quickly scale up its ability to test. The state lab will prioritize processing tests for those experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 and will continue to have a quick turnaround. Other testing devices could include the rapid Abbott machines, equipment in hospitals, and partnerships with private labs will assist the state in boosting capacity.

Testing protocols will be scaled based upon availability of swabs and other testing supplies. Anyone with one or more symptoms of COVID-19, including the CDC’s recent expanded list of symptoms, will be prioritized for testing. Governor Bullock continues to urge providers to test any Montanan with one or more symptoms.

Additionally, the state will begin a process to test residents and employees in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and will continue enhanced surveillance in those facilities. The state will also partner with tribal communities to perform enhanced surveillance testing.

As more testing becomes available, the state will begin partnering with community health centers for testing frontline workers and engaging in general population surveillance testing.