PRESS RELEASE: CUSTER COUNTY COVID -19 UNIFIED COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE FROM CUSTER COUNTY/MILES CITY UNIFIED COMMAND: 5-21-20
As a reminder, we are still in Phase 1 of Governor Bullocks plan for reopening until June 1st. It has been brought to our attention, from numerous members of the community, that youth baseball is beginning competitive games. Under the phase 1 directive:
“Organized youth activities can consider becoming operational if physical distancing guidelines can be implemented. Organized youth activities should avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing.”
However, in phase 1, the Governor’s office has also clarified:
“When does an organized youth activity become an impermissible gathering?
Many organized youth activities, such as sports, 4H and rodeo, or other recreational activities can be safely conducted with appropriate social distancing. However, the competitive aspect of these activities can give rise to gatherings where the presence of parents, spectators, referees and umpires, and concessionaires goes well beyond 10 attendees and social distancing and sanitation needs cannot be met. At that point, an organized youth activity that is permissible under Phase one becomes an impermissible public gathering and place of assembly.”
As a county, we are currently following Governor Bullock’s directive and not being any more or less strict. The above information is clear guidance that youth baseball games are not permitted at this time. Practices and drills can continue with the health and safety guidelines in place.
We know with the nice weather that the community wants to be outside and partaking in fun, outdoor events. This is a frustrating and confusing time for all of us as we try to navigate through the pandemic. The ultimate goal of our group is to keep our community healthy and minimize the spread of COVID19. We are working to accomplish that goal, as well as be fair to all organized youth activities, by following the Governor’s directives.
As of May 21, 2020, at 8:00 am, 281 have been tested for COVID-19, 10 tests are pending results, 0 new positive cases, 3* confirmed positive cases on out of state residents. The number 281 indicates the total number of tests that have been done. The 10 pending tests are included in the overall count of 281.
*3 positive lab results were confirmed by the Montana State Lab in Helena on individuals that were not Montana residents. The positive results are not reflected in the overall count of Montana numbers. For more information on the three positive test results, please see previous press releases on May 12th and May 14th.
More information about the phases of reopening and the Governor’s plans can be found at https://covid19.mt.gov/joint-information-center.