Our Viewpoint

If you've been in an airport recently, you've noticed people wearing masks as they walk through the terminals.

Coronavirus, which started in China, has spread throughout the world. The United States has had 53 confirmed cases, while throughout the world more than 80,000 cases have been confirmed and more than 2,700 people have died from the disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidance on help to control the spread of the disease, including information about a potential shortage of respirators.

There there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Montana (the closest has been in Washington state), but that doesn't mean the disease isn't affecting us. From uneasiness in the stock markets to travel restrictions, the spread of not just the disease but its affects will become more prevalant to everyone.

The 2020 Summer Olympics could be affected by the spread of the virus. There's talk of moving the Olympics to another city or postponing them for a year. Planning for the Olympics begins years in advance.

The potential impact of this virus is almost hard to imagine. Help protect yourself and your loved ones and take a few moments to educate yourself about the virus and how it spreads.