Montana in the Red Zone for COVID-19, Missoula Club Shut Down, Parks & Rec Programs Suspended

A new report from the CDC puts Montana back in the red zone for COVID-19 cases. According to the CDC website and these stats from John Hopkins University and Medicine, our state has the 2nd highest COVID-19 positivity rate in the country, and we are #3 for new cases per 100,000 residents. Missoula currently has 435 active COVID cases, with 86 of those being at the U of M.

As more and more Missoula businesses are closing voluntarily, the Missoula Club, AKA the Mo Club, has been shut down by the Missoula City County Health Department. According to NBC Montana, the bar was closed after failing to adhere to Phase 2 requirements. Apparently, an employee and patrons were not consistently wearing masks and the bar was not following 6 foot distancing rules. The Health Department even informed the Mo Club that there were complaints filed against them, but today the bar was shut down. With Montana's spike in COVID numbers, you can bet the Health Department will be enforcing Phase 2 restrictions for businesses.

In other COVID-19 related news, two Missoula Parks and Rec staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 resulting in the temporary suspension of youth day camps and after school programs. The Missoula City-County Health Department is currently investigating and contacting the 66 campers who came into contact with the two positive employees. Email email parksrec@ci.missoula.mt.us with any questions.

We reported earlier today that experts at Harvard are recommending a complete shutdown for Montana, however, that's not likely to happen. What you can do is be mindful of your hand washing and sanitizing, as most people have been since the start of the pandemic, and avoid large gatherings. Many Missoulians are reverting back to not dining out and staying home in lieu of activities with friends, which is certainly easier now that the weather has turned. Be well, Missoula.