Face masks: Where and when you should wear one

Chet visited with Mike Maltaverne, the Incident Commander for the Gallatin County Covid-19 Response on today's Montana This Morning.

Maltaverne urged the public not to try to get N-95 face masks, those are needed for emergency responders and medical professionals. He says homemade masks should be used by the public, to keep each of us spreading virus to others. Maltaverne also pointed out the need not to shame people if you see them with professional-grade masks in public, there might be a reason they have them.

He also notes homemade reusable masks should not be shared or worn for long periods of time, and they should not be touched, but immediately thrown in the wash once you return from your short trip to the store or out for errands.

Chet also demonstrates how you can make a mask of your own, even if you lack any sewing skills.

CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION AND RESOURCES FOR SW MONTANA

STAY AT HOME

In a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Steve Bullock announced he is extending his stay-at-home order, issued in response to the global coronavirus pandemic, through Friday, April 24.

Other directives issued by the Governor were also extended through April 24, including the closure of schools; the closures of bars, casinos and other nonessential businesses; prohibited dine-in service for restaurants; and the suspension of evictions, foreclosures and the shutting off of utilities for nonpayment.

In addition, Bullock also recommended Montanans wear cloth face masks when they're out in public places still open, such as grocery stores or pharmacies.

“We know that staying home will help to flatten the curve. For every person we take out of the chain of transmission of this virus, the more likely our health care facilities can handle the capacity to respond, and the more likely we can beat back this virus sooner rather than later,” Bullock said.

The official COVID-19 website for Montana will be updated just once per day, rather than twice. Updates will be posted at about 10 a.m. every day. Another change is that the website now includes the number of recovered COVID-19 patients in Montana.

$1M DONATION FROM TOWN PUMP TO MT FOOD BANKS

Town Pump is donating $1 million to 100 food banks, pantries and shelters in 83 communities around Montana.

Town Pump wants to help people who are suffering from food insecurity as the coronavirus continues, and food banks need to keep shelves stocked.

HELPFUL RESOURCES