Bullock: Phased reopening will be worked through next week on potentially for after April 24

Gov. Steve Bullock is saying in a press conference that Montana will be working next week to set up a phased re-opening if the number of new COVID-19 cases continues to drop.

He said that because Montana reacted quickly it has been able to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus 2019 that causes COVID-19 it is in a better position than many states to lift restrictions.

He implemented multiple restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19 and has set them to expire April 19, next Friday.

He said if the spread of the virus continues to drop, the phased reopening could begin after April 24.

Bullock said Montana National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen Matthew Quinn and medical experts will be working next week to determine exactly when and how the state can best reopen.

The reopening will be phased and carefully monitored to see how the infection rate continues, he said.

"I know if we do it wrong it will hurt us more," Bullock said.

Especially with the different rates in different areas and the possibility of new contacts moving forward, some restrictions will be kept in place and the situation will be carefully, he said.

"Its not like this virus is going to go away," Bullock said.

He said that even if he lifts some directives, some areas, depending on their specific situations, might have more stringent restrictions than the state directives require.

Bullock said that as well as as the governor but as a member of the communities he wants the state reopened.

"I'm tired of this," he said.

But the reopening has to be done carefully, he added.

"Knowing covid 19 will still be with us ... We don't want to open the state on Monday and have to shut it down again on Tuesday or Wednesday," Bullock said.

Watch for more in Monday's edition of the Havre Daily News.