HELENA — Gov. Steve Bullock's new COVID-19 restrictions go into effect Friday that will limit capacity and close bars and restaurants early.
First, the governor has expanded the mask mandate to include all counties statewide regardless of the number of active cases.
He also ordered bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries and casinos to be limited to 50% capacity and must close by 10 p.m.
Eating and drinking establishments must also limit group sizes to six or less with a mandatory six-foot physical distance between groups.
Gov. Bullock also ordered all public gatherings limited to 25 or fewer people and ask private gatherings to be limited to 15 or fewer people.
Click here to read the full directive issued by Gov. Bullock.
The Missoula County Board of Health updated the local rules on Thursday to include more specific information on business capacity limits and is also asking for a 10-day written notice for events.
Public Health Officer Ellen Leahy noted that daily incidents of new cases have improved the past three days, and the transmission rate is also improving -- but the numbers are still not here she would like to see them.