Bullock: masks now mandatory

HELENA - Gov. Steve Bullock last week announced he's requiring mask wearing for many Montanans to slow the spread of the coronavirus as the number of confirmed cases continues to surge and the state grapples with a new problem of limited testing capacity.

Bullock acknowledged at a Wednesday press conference that efforts to convince Montanans to voluntarily wear cloth masks in indoor spaces - which health officials say reduces the chance of viral transmission from the wearer to others - have been unsuccessful.

"I thank all of those who've taken seriously their personal responsibility and their...