On Wednesday, April 22nd, Governor Steve Bullock announced a gradual, three phase plan to reopen Montana in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are the changes to local agencies. A list of church services may be found in this week's Church Notes. Business openings are in this week's Community Calendar.

Courthouse: The courthouse offices will reopen on May 4th. The Powder River County Commissioners put out a statement Monday, commenting: "We would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during these difficult times. We continue to ask the public to keep social distancing when entering the courthouse and continue to conduct business via phone, mail or email if possible. We will be opening up other county facilities in conjunction with the governor's directives."

Powder River Manor will remain closed to the public.

Broadus Schools: A determination about the potential for a school opening, as well as graduation, will take place at the May 4th school board meeting at 7 pm in the high school. The meeting will be broadcast online for those who wish to view remotely.

Senior Center and Congregate Meals will not be open at this time.

MP, Fair Barn, and Community Center: Currently closed, and will open under Phase 2 of the governor's directive, with unknown dates at this time.

Driver's Ed: Still on for the semester, and the students should wrap up their classes in May. Driving will be conducted wearing proper PPE.

Little League Baseball: A determination has not been made at this time.

JH/HS Track, and HS Golf: Spring seasons have been cancelled.

Swimming Pool: Will not open under Phase 1.

Broadus Town Office: To reopen May 4.

While the stay at home directives for individuals expired on Sunday, April 26th, Governor Bullock has instituted a three phase program to reopen the state. In the first phase, businesses will reopen, but other activities may remain limited. In phase two, larger groups of people may congregate, and so on until phase three is reached, where things are close to normal.

There are no timelines for progression through the phases, which are dependent on several factors. If infections remain low, and hospitals maintain the ability to treat patients safely, as well as seeing progression in screening and testing and maintaining adequate levels of PPE, then state public health officials will make the decision to progress to the next phase.

The initial steps in opening phase one have no expressly laid out timelines on when the state will progress to phase two – the progression of the disease or lack thereof will determine the phase progression.

Here is a run down of the guidelines.

Effective Sunday, April 26th, Places of worship became operational, with social distancing protocols in place – no more than 10 people in circumstances that do not allow ready social distancing.

Effective Monday, April 27th, retail businesses may open with reduced capacity and where social distancing may be maintained.

- Outdoor recreation and organized youth activities may take place, as long as social distancing guidelines and groups of no more than 10 are maintained.

Effective Monday, May 4th, Restaurants, bars, and casinos may open. These businesses have specific guidelines, and must close by 11:30 PM. The specific guidelines for these establishments also cover food and consumer safety.

According to the Executive Order, places remaining closed include:

Gyms, pools, and hot tubs remain closed.

Other places of assembly remain closed (e.g., movie and performance theaters, concert halls, bowling alleys, bingo halls, and music halls).

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.

Additionally, the March 30 Directive providing mandatory quarantine for certain travelers arriving in Montana from another state or country and all of its terms are extended through the end of the emergency, unless modified by subsequent Directive.

The March 30 and April 13 Directives providing measures to limit foreclosures, evictions, and disconnections from service and all of their terms have been extended.

The rent assistance program remains in effect for the duration of the emergency.

Phase one guidelines for individuals are as follows:

All vulnerable individuals should continue to follow the stay at home guidance.

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

"Vulnerable Individuals" is defined as people over 65 years of age, people with serious underlying health conditions, including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, or asthma, and people whose immune system is compromised such as by chemotherapy for cancer or other conditions requiring such therapy.

All individuals, apart from members of a household, should: When in public (e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas, shopping areas), maintain at least six feet of physical distance from others.

Avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing.

Minimize non-essential travel and adhere to Montana guidelines regarding quarantine.

If you have a specific question about the guidelines, whether as an individual or a business, please visit www. covid19.mt. gov and click on the link for the Governor's Phased Reopening, or contact Darlynn Williams, Powder River County Public Health Nurse at 436-2297, or [email protected].