Hamilton Football Game October 23 Has New Spectator Rules

The COVID-19 positive cases have been increasing this month in Ravalli County. Wednesday, Ravalli County Public Health reported another 17 positive tests, with 150 active cases in the valley and six people hospitalized. The county has set new records for daily positive COVID-19 tests in the last week. Hamilton's limits for spectators at the Hamilton High School Stadium have become more restrictive as a result. The Hamilton Bronc football team has one more regular season game hosting Polson this Friday before the four weeks of state playoffs. There are new guidelines for the crowd at the October 23rd game.

The Hamilton School District is adapting the Montana High School Association (MHSA) limits. From the official announcement this week:
Home team spectators will be limited to the following:

Hamilton School District's current visiting team spectator policy will remain in effect until the post season begins, at which time tickets will be distributed equally among the home and visiting teams per Montana High School Association policy and the Hamilton School District will monitor the MHSA for any changes.

For the Hamilton Middle School, the COVID-19 threat has moved the boys HMS Colts basketball season farther into the winter. The season has been postponed until January, according to a district statement this week.

Schools throughout the state, including Hamilton High School and the Stevensville School District have had temporary shutdowns due to staff and students testing positive for the coronavirus. In each case, the shutdowns have lasted until contact tracing was completed by health officials.