Gov. Steve Bullock closed K-12 schools for two weeks and suspended visitation to nursing homes to slow the spread of coronavirus.

The executive orders were signed Sunday.

Bullock directed Montana’s public schools to close starting Monday and remain closed until March 27.

A few tribal school districts already had announced that they were closing school.

Great Falls Public Schools said Sunday on Facebook that Supt. Tom Moore and other leaders were meeting on the district's next steps in light of the governor's announcement.

Foothills Community Christian School, a private school in Great Falls, announced it would close school Monday morning. FCCS teachers and staff will be meeting to plan how to provide remote classes as early as Tuesday.

"Our goal is to continue to provide academic studies via remote classroom rather than completely cancelling instruction for our PK-12 students," said David Culpepper, head of the school.

Coronavirus:4 'presumptively positive' cases confirmed in Montana

Bullock also said that visitation in Montana’s nursing homes is suspended except for certain compassionate care situations.

People who meet the exception for visitation will undergo a screening to determine whether they have traveled in the last two weeks, are residing where community spread is occurring, or if they have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the governor's office said.

More:Montana lieutenant governor puts self in virus quarantine

Coronavirus in Montana

Montana has had six confirmed coronavirus cases. There have been no deaths.

Schools will plan how to provide arrangements to provide free meals to students who need them, pursuant to a waiver obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture, Bullock said.

More:Coronavirus: Officials ask Great Falls residents not to overwhelm services

Social distancing is one of the most important protective measures in slowing the spread of the coronavirus, Bullock said.

“As governor, it is my top priority to protect the health and safety of Montanans, particularly our most vulnerable, at a time when we face the potential for extraordinary health risks from coronavirus in our state,” Bullock said in a news release.

LIST:Great Falls events impacted by coronavirus concerns

The decision, Bullock said, is not in response to an outbreak in schools.

“I recognize that our schools often serve as a lifeline for families and that this decision is going to have disruption on Montanans over the coming weeks. I’m committed to working with schools, communities and public health to minimize the impact. I encourage businesses to do everything they can to support families as well,” Bullock said.

To mitigate the impact of school closures on families, Bullock encouraged employers to be generous with employee sick and paid leave policies during this time.

Coronavirus recommendations

Bullock also is strongly recommending that:

» The public limits all gatherings, especially those more than 50 people, in every community across the state.

» Individuals over the age of 60 with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions not participate in gatherings of more than 20 people.

» Parents avoid, if possible, placing children for childcare with grandparents or individuals over the age of 60 or with compromised immune systems.

Schools will continue to receive all state funding during this two-week closure, Bullock said.

Karl Puckett covers the city of Great Falls and Cascade County for the Tribune. He can be reached at kpuckett@greatfallstribune or 406-791-1471, or on Twitter at @GFTrib_KPuckett.

This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.