BILLINGS, MONT. (AP) — Restaurants, bars, brewpubs and casinos began reopening in Montana on Monday with limits on crowds and servers donning masks and gloves, as the state lifts more closures imposed to fight the coronavirus.
Not all restaurants were re-opening immediately, and some industry workers have expressed concern that interacting with customers could put them at risk.
But with confirmed virus infections down sharply since peaking in late March, Montana officials have moved methodically in recent days to reopen sectors of the state’s economy even as other states extended closure orders.
At McCormick Cafe in Billings, closed since mid-March, the first day back started slowly with just a few customers.
Manager Charli Perry said she’s hoping word will get out that the restaurant is doing what it takes to protect customers and employees during the pandemic.
Perry says she brought back seven of her eight employees, the exception being a pregnant woman who she did not want the risk.
In Helena, Brewhouse Pub & Grille manager Jackie Hudoba was preparing to open for the first time since March 16. They’ve moved half their tables out, will be sanitizing tables and chairs between customers, and employees will be wearing masks, she said.
The Brewhouse will have a limited menu, in part because they’ve been unable to get some groceries from their suppliers, Hudoba said.
Montana’s rate of COVID-19 infections has steadily declined since a peak of 35 cases on March 26. The state has reported two or fewer cases per day since April 26.
Churches and retail shops opened last week and a stay-at-home order was lifted except for vulnerable populations including the elderly. Schools can re-open May 7 under the latest directive from Gov. Steve Bullock, but many districts already have cancelled in-person classes through the end of the year.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. The vast majority of people recover.
Copyright 2020 The Associated Press
