COVID-19

Four weeks – 28 days – since the first local COVID-19 case, and the pandemic is set to peak in this area in a little over two weeks.

Bozeman Health has partnered with Simms Fishing Productions, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation (YCCF) to address the need for reusable, medical grade gowns at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital and Big Sky Medical Center.

“Today I will be extending the directive to stay at home for an additional two weeks through April 24,” Gov. Steve Bullock said in an April 7 press call.  All previous directives fall in line with the April 24 extension.

Use cloth face coverings, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission, according to a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation furthered by a White House press conference on Friday.

In speaking with friends here in Big Sky either on the phone or keeping our distance in public, some of the discussions revolved around how protected are we in this small rural community if one of us were to be diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus.

Governor Steve Bullock hosted a press call on Tuesday, March 31 to address the prior day’s directive requiring travelers entering Montana borders to self-quarantine for 14 days. Gov. Bullock also spoke to monetary assistance for hospitals and prohibited eviction of tenants unable to pay rent during the stay at home order.

After a press call with Gov. Bullock on March 26, Montana is to follow a shelter in place directive effective Saturday at 12:01 a.m.

A classic debate of philosphy: do the times define the person or does the person define the times?

Big Sky, known for big skiing, is also known for leaders. Instead of being blindsided by COVID-19 developments, Big Sky’s leadership has been quietly working hard for some time. That foresight is allowing quick and decisive action.