Recently, there have been questions about our procedures for when we become aware of a COVID-19 positive case in our university community. 

In Montana, COVID-19 cases are tracked by county public health departments as well as the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. When positive cases are connected to a Montana University System campus, the county health department – in our case, Beaverhead County Public Health – conducts contact tracing and notification. Our campuses may be asked to assist with these efforts, however they are led by local public health officials. Beaverhead County Public Health is also responsible for notifications to the community, which includes our campus. 

UMW staff continue to coordinate closely with Beaverhead County Public Health and will ensure that any affected individuals have a safe and healthy place to quarantine.

UMW also has processes and procedures in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including a face covering requirement, social distancing and enhanced cleaning. Details are online in the Healthy Fall 2020 Plan, which is continually updated with new information.

I continue to be in daily communication with health officials and Montana University System leadership as we monitor the pandemic and evaluate and adjust our response. Please know that the well-being of our students, employees and our surrounding community is our top priority. 

As always, please let us know if you have any questions.