In response to the growing threat of COVID-19 to the health of Montana residents, Montana hospitals are together endorsing the cancellation of elective procedures and have urged Governor Bullock to order a mandatory shelter in place for the state of Montana.

“Our hospitals are experiencing immense pressure to protect our communities along with the significant and perhaps irreversible financial harm to hospitals and healthcare providers across the state,” said Rich Rasmussen, president and CEO of Montana Hospital Association. “A ‘shelter in place’ declaration has the potential to quarantine the virus and permit public health to test and track those infected and shorten its lifespan in Montana. This effort will also blunt the economic hit to our state.”

This consensus statement [mtha.org] from the Montana Hospital Association outlines the hospitals’ current situation, priorities, and the clinical decision-making guidance they will use to triage procedures. It is based on the guidelines from the American College of Surgeons.

This recommendation [mtha.org] to order a shelter in place was provided to Gov. Steve Bullock and state health officials earlier today.

