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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 9:59:57 GMT -7
Covid 19 News for Wednesday April 1st, 2020
Governor Bullock Temporarily Stops Evictions, Foreclosures and Cancellation of Utilities
Compassion, Steps to Socialism or political opportunism? One of my top priorities is continuing to find ways to ease the financial hardships on Montanans from COVID-19.
That is why I have announced consumer protection measures to lessen the economic impacts on Montanans during the COVID-19 statewide emergency by stopping evictions, foreclosures and the cancellation of utility services including water, heating and internet service.
For the duration of the Directive, landlords are prohibited from terminating a lease or refusing to renew or extend the terms of a current lease agreement, on at least a month-to-month basis.
It also prohibits late fees or other penalties due to late or nonpayment of rent and prohibits rent increases except for those previously agreed upon. It also prohibits landlords from seeking damages in court due to nonpayment of rent.
The Directive also stops involuntary sales of homes, foreclosures, liens placed on residential properties or late fees charged due to inability to pay mortgage payments on time for the duration of the Directive.
This Directive does not relieve tenants from paying rent or borrowers from paying mortgages or other financial obligations related to homeownership.
Additionally, the Directive prohibits suspension of utilities during the emergency, including electricity, gas, sewage disposal, water, telephone, or internet services, and prohibits late fees for bills due during the Directive.
Finally, the Directive also requires public housing authorities to extend deadlines for housing assistance recipients.
The federal CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) passed by Congress on Friday includes additional funding for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), which helps low-income households with heating homes, weatherization, and energy-related low-cost home repairs or replacements. LIEAP in Montana is administered by DPHHS. To apply for LIEAP, contact your local LIEAP (Human Resource Development Council) offices, call 1-833-317-1080 or visit the state’s LIHEAP website at www.lieap.mt.gov.
You can review my full Directive online HERE.
So long as this virus forces Montanans to stay home to save lives, Montanans need a home to stay in and the essential utilities to live. This order ensures that a loss of income won’t lead to Montanans losing their homes or having the heat or water turned off if they can’t pay the rent or make their monthly utility bill.
Thank you again for your comments to my office and your continued work to share important information with our Montana communities. It is helpful to hear from Montanans like you when I am making decisions about the future of our state.
Please continue to practice social distancing and stay at home unless it is for essential travel. Plan ahead for your essential trips in order to limit your contact with others. No gatherings. Stay 6 feet apart from others when you can. These steps will slow the spread of the virus. These steps will save lives.
I know these are challenging times and Montanans are facing many hardships. But, I have no doubt that as Montanans, we can work together and overcome this challenge.
Sincerely,
STEVE BULLOCK
Governor |
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 10:05:54 GMT -7
Coronavirus pandemic sparks new calls for personal surveillance, and concerns Yahoo News reports:
"As countries around the world look for ways to track coronavirus infections using people’s personal smartphones, measures President Trump says the U.S. is also considering, privacy experts and technologists warn that the U.S. government faces an uphill battle to put such surveillance into practice.
During a Monday press conference, President Trump described the potential of using GPS data to enforce social distancing guidelines as extreme, a measure his former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb suggested in his roadmap to recovery after coronavirus. “So what happens? A siren goes off if you get too close to somebody? That’s pretty severe,” Trump said, while noting that “we’re taking a look.”
But unlike a number of other countries, surveillance and national security law experts say, the U.S. intelligence community doesn’t currently have the authority or capability to tap into massive amounts of individualized American geolocation data. Technology and ad sales companies, who do have access to that kind of data, need to navigate their own complicated path in choosing to make some of its customers’ information available or not".
Read the full story here. |
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 10:11:52 GMT -7
198 COVID-19 cases in MT (Tuesday afternoon, Mar. 31) KBZK reports:
"According to the Montana Response COVID-19 tracking map, Montana confirms 198 cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday afternoon.
(NOTE: This number may change due to counties reporting final numbers to the state.)
The previously reported total Tuesday morning was 184.
Gallatin County still counts the most cases with 74".
Read the full story here. |
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 16:41:45 GMT -7
Diarrhea first sign of coronavirus in some patients, study finds Fox News reports:
"Some patients with COVID-19 experience gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly diarrhea, as the first sign of illness, according to a new study.
Among this subset of patients – who have mild disease overall – respiratory symptoms show up only later in the illness, and some never develop respiratory symptoms at all, the authors said.
The findings are important because those without classic symptoms of COVID-19 – such as cough, shortness of breath and fever – may go undiagnosed and could potentially spread the illness to others, the researchers said.
Still, they note that digestive problems are common overall and don't necessarily mean that a person has COVID-19. But doctors should recognize that sudden digestive symptoms in people with a possible COVID-19 contact "should at least prompt consideration of the illness," the authors wrote in their paper, published ahead of print Monday (March 30) in The American Journal of Gastroenterology. "Failure to recognize these patients early and often may lead to unwitting spread of the disease."
Read the full story here.
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 16:43:45 GMT -7
Difference between coronavirus and seasonal allergies: Your questions answered by an expert Fox News reports:
"Spring is in the air and that means it’s also time for trees to bloom and pollen to roam throughout the air. But this spring, there’s another respiratory irritant to worry about: the novel coronavirus.
Over 30 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, which may cause a dry cough, shortness of breath and abdominal chest pain, which is similar to symptoms reported by COVID-19 patients".
Read the full story here. |
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 16:47:46 GMT -7
More than 200 COVID-19 cases in MT (Wednesday morning, April 1) KBZK reports:
"According to the Montana Response COVID-19 tracking map, Montana confirms 208 cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday morning.
(NOTE: This number may change due to counties reporting final numbers to the state.)
The previously reported total Tuesday morning was 198.
Gallatin County still counts the most cases with 76".
Read the full story here. |
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 16:49:23 GMT -7
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 16:52:06 GMT -7
European experts ready smartphone technology to help halt coronavirus spread Reuters News reports:
"A group of European experts said on Wednesday they would soon launch technology for smartphones to help trace people who had come into contact with those infected with coronavirus, helping the health authorities act swiftly to halt its spread.
The initiative involves gathering data via smartphones to show who a person with the virus had come in close contact with, so that those people at risk could then be contacted.
The ability to track down those at risk of infection more accurately could help avoid having to 'lock down' entire societies, with the resulting hugely damaging economic impact.
The European initiative, called Pan-European Privacy Preserving Proximity Tracing (PEPP-PT https://www.pepp-pt.org), follows the successful use of smartphones in some Asian countries to track the spread of the virus and enforce quarantine orders, although their methods would have violated strict EU data protection rules.
PEPP-PT, which brings together 130 researchers from eight countries, aims to issue a licensed technology platform by April 7, the basis for contact-tracing applications, with roll-out of the first apps a week or so after that.
"You are talking about a very short space of time," said Hans-Christian Boos, founder of German technology firm Arago and a member of the German government's digital advisory council.
Boos is a prime mover behind the effort gathering 130 researchers from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.
Epidemiologists say contact tracing will become a vital weapon in containing future flare-ups in COVID-19, the flu-like disease caused by coronavirus, once national lockdowns slow the rapid spread of the virus.
The illness can be passed on by people showing no symptoms, putting a premium on warning those at risk of infection swiftly after an individual tests positive, while technology can be used to avoid the sweeping national measures to halt the spread".
Click here to read the full story. |
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 17:04:19 GMT -7
Grocery Rescue
Emergency responders offer grocery pickup and delivery in Paradise Valley The Livingston Enterprise reports:
"During the current uncertain times triggered by the spread of novel coronavirus, some area residents want nothing more than to stay home, stay safe and remain healthy.
It’s a time when even the idea of a trip to the grocery store sparks anxiety in some Americans.
A group of Paradise Valley emergency responders has banded together in an effort to help the area’s elderly population and those who are most vulnerable to novel coronavirus who are staying home as the nation hunkers down and practices social distancing.
Firefighters from Paradise Valley Fire have made arrangements with Town & Country Foods and FoodWorks in Livingston for Paradise Valley residents to pay for groceries, which the firefighters pick up and deliver to homes".
Read the full story here. |
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 17:06:50 GMT -7
Donation from John Mayer enables ventilators purchase The Livingston Enterprise reports:
"Some might say singer-songwriter John Mayer has given the world the gift of music.
He’s also giving the Park County community the gift of ventilators as local health care providers prepare to battle the novel coronavirus.
Mayer recently made a “generous” donation to the Livingston HealthCare Foundation, the non-profit hospital’s fundraising arm, to be used to purchase ventilators for Livingston HealthCare, said hospital spokeswoman Whitney Harris.
The donation comes after Mayer, a part-time Park County resident, reached out to the hospital to inquire about the organization’s needs during the COVID-19 crisis, Harris said.
The hospital responded that ventilators were the facility’s greatest need at this time, she said".
Read the full story here. |
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 17:11:37 GMT -7
Bullock to Trump: ‘One day away’ from no test capacity
Time to look to the private market? The Bozeman Chronicle reports:
"Governors in a call with President Donald Trump on Monday raised concerns about having sufficient testing capacity to track the spread of the coronavirus in their states, with Montana Gov. Steve Bullock pressing on maintaining sufficient supplies here.
“We are trying to do contact tracing, but literally we are one day away if we don’t get test kits from the CDC, that we wouldn’t be able to do testing in Montana,” Bullock said in a recording of the call provided to national media outlets including CBS News and the New York Times.
By Monday evening, the state lab in Helena had processed tests for 4,411 Montanans. Statewide 177 people tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, and four people have died.
The testing number does not capture tests doctors and hospitals have sent to private labs. Across the state, providers have raised concerns about testing capacity, as nationally the pandemic has left hospitals and doctors all hoping to get the necessary swabs, solution to preserve the swabs and vials used to transport tests to laboratories".
Read the full story here. |
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 17:15:12 GMT -7
Coronavirus outbreak results in limited outdoor access and closures in area The Livingston Enterprise reports:
"The coronavirus has forced lawmakers to enact stay-at-home orders in Montana and throughout the rest of the U.S.
However, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks encourages people to continue to take advantage of outdoor recreation opportunities while taking extra time to plan and practice social distancing recommendations.
FWP has taken steps toward thwarting the spread of the virus by limiting access or closing various recreation locations.
According to FWP Region 3 Education and Information Director Morgan Jacobsen, some sites have been limited to day-use, while other locations, like campgrounds, will be closed".
State Parks and campgrounds are open in Arizona. Private campgrounds are open in Nevada.
Read the full story here. |
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 17:17:55 GMT -7
Park County Montana fly-fishing businesses feel impact of coronavirus, but help may be on the way The Livingston Enterprise reports:
"The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted businesses around the country. In Park County, where the fly-fishing industry is heavily reliant on anglers traveling from out of state, the impact might be greater than in other areas.
Dan Gigone, owner of the Sweetwater Fly Shop in Livingston, has closed the doors to his store for the time being and stopped planning guided trips for the near future.
Gigone said he still hopes to salvage some of the summer fishing season.
“We’ve stopped taking reservations for guide trips for the summer as well,” he said. “So hopefully we can open that up at some point, but I’m not very optimistic at this point that we’re going to get much of a summer season.”
Gigone said the decision to close shop was necessary for the safety of all involved in a guided trip.
“In my mind there’s just no safe way to do guide trips and sanitize everything enough to make it safe for the guides or the clients,” he said. “I certainly don’t think we’re going to even think about taking trips until this is on the downside of things.”
Read the full story here. |
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 17:21:26 GMT -7
Coming from out of state to MT? You have to quarantine
A big welcome back from Governor Bullock to Montana residents. The Livingston Enterprise reports:
"Gov. Steve Bullock issued a directive Monday requiring anyone coming to Montana from another state or country for non-work-related reasons to self-quarantine for 14 days, effective immediately.
“As of today, travel from another state or country is the most common known source of COVID-19 infections in Montana. I am asking anyone who is in Montana and has recently traveled from another state or country to do the right thing and self-quarantine for 14 days,” Bullock said in a press release Monday".
Read the full story here. |
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2020 17:24:04 GMT -7
Vacation rental data suggests visitors seeking shelter in Montana The Bozeman Chronicle reports:
"One day late last week, Dan Vermillion, owner of Sweetwater Travel in Livingston, woke up to a flurry of emails.
There were seven different requests to book his vacation rentals for up to six months. Normally, a booking is three days, five days, maybe a week.
“Something had changed very quickly,” Vermillion said.
Across Montana, the big sky and wide open spaces that attract tourists year round for skiing, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing are suddenly valued for a new reason: plenty of room for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
While short-term rental properties on sites such as Airbnb, VRBO, and Homeaway nationwide are seeing a downturn in visitors, business in Montana has been up, according to research from AirDNA, which compiles industry-wide booking data to provide short-term rental estimates.
Across the state, revenue estimates from short-term rentals increased year over year between 2019 and 2020 from $5.3 million to $9.4 million for the period March 1 through March 16, according to AirDNA. Nationwide, rural areas reported significant year-over-year gains, with urban areas seeing declines of as much as 27% in the same period.
“Montana tended to follow some of the other trends of people appearing to be escaping major cities,” said Eric Fullerton, director of marketing for AirDNA, who grew up in Montana".
Read the full story here. |
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