Current Information

COVID-19 Coronavirus

What is a coronavirus?

Human coronaviruses are common throughout the world. There are several types of coronaviruses including those that cause symptoms of the common cold. Human coronaviruses commonly cause mild to moderate illness. A novel, or new coronavirus is a strain of coronavirus that has not been identified before. This has happened previously with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV both of which cause more severe respiratory illnesses.

Where does the name come from?

View the World Health Organization explanation.

What is a novel coronavirus?

The novel coronavirus associated with Wuhan China, or COVID-19, recently emerged and is causing an outbreak of illnesses in China, with additional cases reported in other countries including the United States. To date, all U.S. cases had recent travel to the Wuhan area. At this time, the risk to the U.S. public remains low.

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus is still being studied and public health officials are learning more each day. To date, it appears that transmission occurs via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes as is the case with other respiratory illnesses like the common cold or influenza.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with this novel coronavirus have reported mild to severe respiratory illness with cough, fever, and/or shortness of breath.

How do I know if I am at risk for COVID-19?

At this time, the risk for the majority of people remains low but a person at risk includes specific symptoms and travel to China within the past 14 days OR close contact to a confirmed case. Review the CDC assessment tool for detailed information.

How can I help protect myself and my family?

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The same preventative measures that are recommended during cold and flu season will also help to protect against COVID-19:

Wash your hands thoroughly and often
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue (or your elbow)
Stay home if you are sick
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Resources for Current Coronavirus Information and Educational Material:

Montana Department of Health and Human Services Status

Videos

Open Burning Season Approaching

Bozeman, MT – Open burning in Gallatin County begins March 1st with the launch of a new online burn permit system. Burn Permits will be available for activation beginning March 1st for those conducting non-recreational fires in accordance with the open burning regulations. Gallatin County is also launching a new online burn permit system this year for purchase and management of permits. Gallatin County transitioned vendors to a system that is more user friendly, verifies locations easier and provides agencies with the ability to communicate information better with those conducting open burning. The new platform is intended to provide a quicker and cleaner experience for our community.

As Patrick Lonergan, Chief of Emergency Management and Fire explains, “The old burn permit system had become dated in its technology and no longer provided a positive experience for our community. The new platform is modern technology that behaves like users expect and are used to from other platforms. The only drawback is that previous burn permit holders will not be able to simply renew a permit this year and will have to answer a few additional questions to establish an account in the new system.”

Permits purchased through the Gallatin County Burn Permit System are valid for all local jurisdictions within Gallatin County. Permits cost $15.00 and are valid for the 2020 open burning season which runs from March 1st to November 30th. Permits can be utilized by the permit holder at multiple locations, but must be activated each day an open burn is conducted.

The Gallatin County Burn Permit System is located at https://gallatinburnpermits.com.

Additional information on open burning in Gallatin County is available at: https://www.readygallatin.com/community-resources/burn-permits/.