As of Thursday, July 15, 2021, Montana reports 114,576 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 73 new cases reported since Friday: 16 new cases in Flathead County, 16 new cases in Yellowstone County, 11 new cases in Gallatin County, 8 new cases in Missoula County, and more new cases in 10 more Montana counties. The number of active coronavirus cases in Montana is 489. Currently, 63 people are being treated in Montana hospitals for COVID-19. The most active cases are in Flathead, Yellowstone, Cascade, Missoula, and Gallatin Counties. 1,686 people have died in Montana of COVID-19. Twelve more deaths have been reported in the last two days. Nationwide, more than 608,000 Americans have died of COVID-19. There have been 33,900,000 cases of coronavirus in the US, and counting.

Stage-1 fire restrictions are in effect until further notice at most Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks sites in Granite, Deer Lodge, Beaverhead, Silver Bow and Madison counties due to high fire danger. Stage-1 restrictions ban campfires except where specifically exempted and allow smoking only in vehicles and areas 3 feet in diameter that are cleared of flammable materials.

Bison could appear in Glacier National Park soon. A herd of at least 75 bison may be released within a year or so in the Chief Mountain area of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, with freedom to wander onto their native land, now Glacier National Park, according to the Buffalo Program of the Blackfeet Nation.

The Bozeman City Commission has enacted Stage 2 Drought restrictions. This means a drought surcharge on everyone’s city water bill, and mandatory day of week and time of day watering restrictions go into effect starting July 16th.

Bozeman public schools plan to start the school year this fall with in-person learning five days a week at all grade levels and masks optional for students and staff. The Bozeman School District will continue to offer the 100% online learning option at Bozeman and Gallatin high schools and the Bozeman Online Charter School for kindergarten through 8th grades