As of Saturday, June 27, 2020, Montana reports 852 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with twenty-three new cases reported in the last day: eight in Gallatin County, five in Yellowstone County, three cases in Missoula County, and one new case in each of Carbon, Cascade, Flathead, Glacier, Granite, Lewis & Clark, and Park Counties. Statewide, 95 people have been hospitalized, and nine people are currently being treated in the hospital for COVID-19. 604 people have recovered from the disease. Gallatin County has had 239 cases so far. 22 people have died in Montana of COVID-19. Nationwide, more than 127,000 Americans have died.

New U.S. coronavirus infections have broken a record, with nearly 46,000 new cases in a single day on Friday. The increase was driven by more than 8,000 new cases in Florida and thousands more in Texas, Arizona and California. Saturday, Florida health officials reported more than 9,500 new COVID-19 cases. These are the highest totals of coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. Coronavirus cases are up in more than 20 U.S. states and territories. With the rising number of coronavirus cases in Florida, all beaches in Miami-Dade County will be closed for the July 4 weekend, and parks will also be off-limits for public viewing of fireworks.

New COVID-19 cases hit their second-highest weekly total in Montana as more personal contact among people and more testing were done as the state economy reopens. Officials said that the increase is not entirely unexpected – but that Montanans have the power to tamp it down, by following social-distancing guidelines and taking other precautions, such as wearing masks when interacting with others. New cases have been reported in 24 counties the past week, including some in counties that previously had no cases at all.

In Miles City, which saw a big jump in cases the past two weeks, the outbreak was traced to several group gatherings – and, people in those groups spread the disease to four other counties. Another outbreak originated at a Missoula health-care workplace, and then spread to Helena and perhaps other locales, which are still being traced. A popular restaurant in Missoula is temporarily closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. Paradise Falls says that an employee tested positive for the coronavirus. The employee felt ill and called in prior to a shift, and did not come into work but rather got tested. Other employees who worked the same shifts with the employee who tested positive are also quarantined at home. A big surge of cases on the Crow Indian Reservation in Big Horn County occurred after some cases showed up and many other people were tested, even though they didn’t show symptoms. Asymptomatic people were carrying and spreading the disease, without knowing they had it, and spread it to Billings when they went to medical appointments.

Gallatin County health officials said they’re seeing coronavirus transmission stemming from crowded settings like parties and people going to bars and restaurants. Officials have issued warnings to Bozeman establishments for not adhering to health orders. Among the new cases in Gallatin County, five are Montana State University students, two were in West Yellowstone, and Big Sky had 10 people infected with the virus. The county is seeing more people test positive who have mild symptoms or no symptoms of the virus. Health officials say that is concerning because it could lead to more transmission when people don’t believe they have the disease. County health officials need people to avoid crowds, socially distance from one another, wash hands and wear face coverings when in public. People who feel ill should call their health care providers and get tested if their provider recommends it.

Fourth of July fireworks shows and events around Bozeman are canceled this year amid COVID-19 concerns. The annual Livingston Roundup Rodeo and parade have been canceled. Big Sky has canceled its annual Fourth of July celebration, which typically includes a fireworks show and live music. Ennis’ Fourth of July parade this year is canceled, although the Ennis Rodeo is still scheduled for July 3 and 4. Virginia City’s annual July Fourth Fireworks Extravaganza is canceled this year also.

Even with big fireworks displays and gatherings canceled, people can still set off fireworks. In Bozeman, residents can set off fireworks from noon to midnight on July 3, noon of July 4 to 1 a.m. July 5, and noon to midnight on July 5. In Bozeman, fireworks cannot be set off on major streets or alleys or lit on or under motor vehicles. Fireworks may not be used within 300 feet of any public park or gas station, or within 1,000 feet of a hospital, assisted care or nursing facility. Fireworks are not permitted on public lands.