As of Tuesday, June 30, 2020, Montana reports 967 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 49 new cases reported in the last day: twenty new cases in Missoula County, eleven in Gallatin County, nine in Yellowstone County, two in Park County, and one new case in each of Big Horn, Carbon, Cascade, Deer Lodge, Meagher, and Valley Counties. Statewide, 101 people have been hospitalized, and twelve people currently are being treated in the hospital for COVID-19. Gallatin County has had 263 cases so far. The most active cases are in Yellowstone County, with 56 active cases, followed by Gallatin County, with 46 active cases and Missoula County, with 44 cases. 22 people have died in Montana of COVID-19. Nationwide, more than 129,000 Americans have died.

Gallatin County health officials warned four downtown Bozeman bars earlier this month for overcrowding, allowing patrons to walk around inside, and not maintaining social distancing.
The Gallatin City-County Health Department sent warning letters to Bar IX, the Pour House, the Crystal Bar and the American Legion June 17, notifying the bars they were violating an emergency health rule.

The Bozeman Public Library re-opened to the public on Tuesday for the first time since mid-March. Hours are limited, all public seating has been removed and the Bookmobile will remain closed. But the shelves are still full of books that are once again available for checkout. The library will be open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Computers will be accessible for 30 minutes per person and printing will be available. Masks are highly encouraged. Occupancy will be limited to 40, meaning some may be asked to wait in a socially distanced line before getting inside. The library will continue to offer curbside pick up Tuesdays through Fridays, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., a service that began in May. Patrons can call ahead to check out materials and then pick them up. This service is especially encouraged for people who are older or who have pre-existing conditions. Research commissioned by the Institute of Museum and Library Services found that the virus that causes COVID-19 cannot live on common library materials, like books, for more than 72 hours, so Staff at the Bozeman library came up with a new system so that no one touches materials for three days after they’re returned. Most of the library’s programs, like Books and Babies, will continue to be held virtually. However, the library will be offering in-person storytime and take-home kids activities for those who partake in the Human Resource Development Council’s free summer lunch program.

Montana State University’s Renne Library reopened to the public Monday, June 29. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Regular academic hours are scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 17, the first day of classes of the fall semester. MSU requires visitors, including library users, to wear cloth face masks or face coverings on campus. The library has modified a number of its practices to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. High-use areas will be sanitized multiple times per day, and furniture will be arranged to promote social distancing.