Local Families See Side Effects of Coronavirus

* may not actually be coronavirus.

Photo of bare toilet paper shelves at Target, courtesy of Liz Dutton

Coronavirus is going viral. Everyone can’t stop talking about it.

Although there have been no confirmed cases of the virus in Montana yet, the effects are already visible across town. Doctor’s offices have seen an uptick in visits from worried patients, there’s a toilet paper shortage at Walmart, Target, and Costco, and families are changing their Spring Break travel plans.

Whether you believe COVID-19 (also known as Coronavirus) is serious or seriously blown out of proportion, the impact the malady is having lately is undeniable.

From elementary school through college, administrators are researching remote learning options in case schools need to close their doors, while also recognizing the barriers present for students who don’t have computer or internet access or rely on school meals. Missoula County Public Schools issued a statement addressing parent concerns about the disease, saying there is a plan in place if COVID-19 makes it to our state. “We are collaborating with the Missoula City County Health Department on the appropriate prevention and planning steps for when we get a confirmed case of COVID-19 in our community. We will take the guidance from the MCCHD on when to exclude any students from school and collaborate with them on considerations for closing schools due to high numbers of ill staff and students or for deep cleaning.”

Bonner ISD, Frenchtown ISD, and Hellgate ISD have released similar statements.

People are also noticing the effects of product shortages around town. Shelves that once held soap, bleach and disinfectants now sit empty while other items are becoming increasingly hard to find. When it was time to buy toilet paper in Chelsea Bellon’s house, she had to visit five stores before finally finding some at Rosauers. Fortunately, she had arrived shortly after the store received a new shipment.

With Spring Break approaching, many people’s travel plans have also changed. Melissa Huus said she was disappointed at first when her family realized they wouldn’t be attending Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle over Spring Break (event organizers postponed the event and issued refunds.) “While it inevitably hurts the tourist-based economy in that area, I think it was a responsible move for this and other large events to postpone — especially ones that are kid friendly,” Huus said. “We all know to wash our hands, don’t touch our faces etc., but kids are still learning these things and pass germs pretty frequently.”

As for Huus, she said although her kids are disappointed they won’t be attending Comic-con next week, making staycation plans helped. Flying Squirrel, SpectrUM, a trip to the movies, and a cabin stay are all on the docket. “We are glad we have local options to make our kids’ Spring Break fun!”

For the most recent update from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, visit their page dedicated to COVID-19. If you’re looking for delicate but informative ways to talk to your kids about Coronavirus, we suggest NPR’s Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus.