Law enforcement in Yellowstone County have issued guidelines on enforcing Montana Gov. Steve Bullock's stay-at-home order , which goes into effect Saturday.
Patrols will increase around vulnerable areas, such as closed schools and businesses. Patrols will also increase for visibility around high-traffic areas such as grocery stores.
Law enforcement have set up a hotline, 406-651-6415, for all complaints of stay-at-home order violations. Callers can file complaints but shouldn't expect calls back.
The guidelines were posted on the Billings Police Department Facebook page and endorsed by Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office and the Laurel Police Department.
"We highly encourage everyone in the community to abide by the order. Officers will continue to patrol and respond to normal calls for service. We have directed our Officers to not ignore blatant violations of the order and make safe contact with violators to educate them and encourage compliance. Blatant, egregious, and repeat violations will be documented and referred to the County Attorney and Public Health Officials," they wrote.
Bullock issued the statewide order Thursday afternoon with the goal of curbing the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus. Permitted activities include going to work for essential businesses, going to grocery stores to buy food and outdoor recreation activities, provided participants maintain social distance of six feet.
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