HELENA — Gov. Steve Bullock unveiled several measures Tuesday to help unemployed workers and the uninsured during the coronavirus outbreak, and noted the state continues to try to slow the spread of the illness and take care of fellow Montanans.

He said the state was not only looking at the public health perspective, but an economic perspective as well to take care of employers and workers. Bullock said one of best ways to slow the spread of the respiratory illness is those who are not sick can still stay home from work and make ends meet.

As of 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, the state had nine confirmed cases of coronavirus on its website. The governor set up a coronavirus task force on March 3. It has launched a phone line at 1-888-333-0461 and Montanans can also email questions to covid19info@mt.gov.

He said Montana received approval Tuesday from the U.S. Department of Labor to allow workers quarantined or temporarily laid off due to COVID-19 to access unemployment insurance benefits immediately.

He said the benefits also apply for people who must stay home from work to take care of a family member with COVID-19.

Bullock said the requirement for a one-week waiting period will be waived. People who believe they are eligible for these benefits can apply online at: montanaworks.gov or contact the Unemployment Insurance Division over the phone at for UI benefits online or over the phone at: (406) 444-2545.

Montana employers will also receive help through these rules. Individual claims will not be chargeable to a specific employer’s account. The rules also include a provision that could extend the time employers have to file wage reports and pay unemployment insurance contributions if the delay is related to COVID-19.

Claimants are responsible for staying in contact with their employer and return to work when they have the opportunity. Claimants are not eligible for benefits if they could work from home but choose not to.

He also said emergency loans are available for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. He said businesses can apply for 30-year loans of up to $2 million, which have an interest rate of 3.75%.

This will ensure small businesses that have temporary closures can bounce back “is certainly paramount to all of us.”

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The governor also extended by 90 days the time to renew driver’s licenses.

Bullock said uninsured Montanans, who get a recommendation from a provider, can get coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Bullock said under his emergency authority, state funds, with potential for federal funds, will be used to pay for COVID-19 testing for Montanans without health insurance.

If confirmed positive for COVID-19, funds will be used to cover treatment costs. Montanans will be required to provide a recommendation from a provider according to current CDC guidance and the state will reimburse them for that provider visit, the state said in a news release.

The option will be available to uninsured Montanans starting March 23. To access the new emergency assistance, Montanans should call 406-444-7605 or email HHSPresumptive@mt.gov.

Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP recipients are already eligible for coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment, state officials said.

Medicaid now covers 84,000 Montanans. An estimated 8.6% of Montanans are uninsured, the governor’s staff said.

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For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. In older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. There is no vaccine.

On Sunday Bullock closed public schools until March 27, which he said would give schools time to plan for all the services students need such as meals. And he restricted visits to nursing homes to protect a vulnerable population. The decision affects about 150,000 students, the Associated Press reported.

Reporter Phil Drake is our eye on the state capitol. For tips, suggestions or comment, he can be reached at 406-231-9021 or pdrake@greatfallstribune.com. To support his work, subscribe today and get a special offer.