Daines urges immediate assessment of Montana COVID-19 situation from FEMA

U.S. Senator Steve Daines is urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct an assessment of Montana’s COVID-19 situation and asking for additional federal assistance to help mitigate the impacts of the pandemic.

“Montana is currently experiencing a regional surge of COVID-19 cases. Nationally, we have the third highest rate of new cases and the second highest rate of test positivity. Last week, an average of 84% of hospitals in Montana reported either new confirmed or new suspected COVID-19 patients each day,” Daines wrote. “As Montana is experiencing a record number of positive COVID-19 cases and our hospitals across the state are reaching capacity, I respectfully request FEMA to conduct a needs assessment and consider providing additional federal relief that will protect the health of Montanans, including those in our rural and tribal communities, and support our local and state officials who are on the front lines of this public health crisis.”