Stay Safe Outside the Home

Face-coverings are required in Missoula County

On July 15, 2020, Governor Steve Bullock issued a directive requiring that people ages 5 and older wear face-coverings in all counties with four or more active cases of COVID-19.

Per the directive, all businesses, government offices, or other persons responsible for indoor spaces open to the public shall require and take reasonable measures to ensure that all employees, contractors, volunteers, customers, or other members of the public wear a face cover that covers their mouth and nose at all times while entering or remaining in any indoor space open to the public.

In addition, for any organized outdoor activity where social distancing is not possible or is not observed sponsors shall require and take reasonable measures to ensure that all persons attending an organized activity wear a face-covering that covers their mouth and nose at all times.

Governor's Directive providing for the mandatory use of face-coverings in certain settings. (July 15, 2020)

On July 9, 2020, the Missoula City-County Board of Health adopted a face-covering rule and promulgated Health Officer Order requiring that people ages 12 and older wear face-coverings in public and non-public settings when inside or outside. Please review the Health Board Rule and Health Officer Order for more specific information including under what circumstances a face-covering is required in Missoula County.

Missoula City-County Board of Health Rule, Face-coverings required during COVID-19 pandemic. (July 9, 2020)
Missoula City-County Health Officer promulgated order, a companion to the Board of Health's Face-covering Rule. (July 9, 2020)
Clarification to the July 9, 2020 Missoula City-County Health Officer Order regarding the use of enhanced face shields (September 25, 2020)
FAQs about Missoula County's Face-covering rule and Health Officer Order. (Updated September 27, 2020.)

Running Errands

Running errands can be safe with just a little planning:

Stay home if you are sick; use delivery options instead.
Vulnerable people should use delivery or curbside-pickup options when possible.
Don't forget to wear a face-covering. Check out the CDC videos above for instructions on making your own.
Know the rules and expectations at any place of business and be prepared to follow and respect them.
- If a business is not adhering to county or state requirements for licensed establishments, including COVID-19 requirements, you can report the business to MCCHD's Environmental Health Division at envhealth@missoulacounty.us.or call at 406-258-4755.
Be careful not to touch your face while running errands, especially your nose and mouth.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water after you get home.

Visit the CDC for more tips on staying safe.

Volunteering

Staying safe and smart while volunteering will help keep our community healthy:

Use social distancing whenever possible.
Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and hot water.
Wear masks whenever possible and especially when social distancing is not possible. Be sure to follow all local and state mask requirements.

Read the Missoula Public Health Guidance for Volunteers for further advice.

Traveling

Traveling in times of COVID-19 requires travelers to be careful:

Do not travel if you are sick, or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
Do not travel with someone who is sick.
Bring a mask and hand sanitizer.
Check and respect the local health ordinances of the city/county/state you are visiting.
If you or a member of your group develops symptoms after you return from a trip, contact Missoula Public Health or your health care provider as soon as possible.

Visit the CDC for more tips to stay safe during travel