As of Thursday, July 2, 2020, Montana reports 1,083 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 67 new cases reported in the last day: fourteen new cases in Yellowstone County, ten in Missoula County, six in Gallatin County and Richland County, five in Big Horn and Teton Counties, four in Flathead and Glacier Counties, three new cases in each of Carbon, Madison, and Silver Bow Counties, and one new case in each of Cascade, Custer, Lewis & Clark, and Park Counties. Statewide, 106 people have been hospitalized, and 14 people currently are being treated in the hospital for COVID-19. Gallatin County has had 277 cases so far. The most active cases are in Yellowstone County, with 82 active cases, followed by Gallatin County, with 56 active cases and Missoula County with 52 active cases. 22 people have died in Montana of COVID-19. Nationwide, more than 130,000 Americans have died.

The number of confirmed new coronavirus cases per day in the U.S. climbed to an all-time high of more than 50,700 on Thursday, with numbers rising in 40 out of 50 states. That represents a doubling of the daily total over the past month and is higher even than what the country witnessed during the most lethal phase of the crisis in April and May. Over the past two weeks, the percentage of positive tests has doubled in Georgia, Kansas, Montana, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, South Carolina and Ohio. In Nevada, the percentage of positive tests has tripled. In Idaho, it is five times higher.

Faced with a surge in coronavirus cases and public criticism, the head of Montana’s University System announced Thursday that officials will reconsider whether to require wearing face masks when some 40,000 college students return to Montana campuses next month. Clay Christian, commissioner of higher education, said the move was sparked by the growing number of cases nationally and in Montana, the demographic trend of more young people becoming infected, and new evidence about the effectiveness of face masks.

Fourth of July fireworks shows and events around Bozeman are canceled this year amid COVID-19 concerns. Bozeman’s Fourth of July fireworks are canceled. 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. Butte’s July 3 fireworks show is still on track for Friday night, though the health department is underscoring the importance of social distancing that evening as coronavirus cases have risen in Butte-Silver Bow over the past several days.

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.