Big Sky Times

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock said the state will move into the second phase of reopening on June 1 as the state continues to have the lowest COVID-19 numbers. 

“Montana has been an example for the rest of the nation in our response to this global pandemic. I have no doubt that we can continue to be that example, but only if Montanans, businesses, and visitors alike continue to take seriously the responsibility we all have in protecting others,” Bullock told the State of Montana Newsroom. “As we continue with the next phase in our reopening, our goal together as Montanans for the foreseeable future is to mitigate the spread of the virus.”

In addition to moving into the second phase, Bullock will lift the out-of-state travel ban on June 1. In the second phase, gatherings can't exceed 50 people and businesses such as restaurants, bars, and casinos can increase capacity to 75%, according to the Montana Newsroom. 

Under phase one, schools, places of worship, bars, restaurants, and other retail businesses were allowed to reopen. On May 15, Bullock also allowed movie theaters, museums, and gyms to open, the State of Montana Newsroom reported.