[Montana] health 8.0 — Respiratory illness increasing: Montana — RSV(31)

INCIDENT BRIEF: Montana RSV Outbreak

Montana is experiencing a significant surge in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases, with 31 reported incidents as of May 13, 2026. This high-severity health event (8/10) indicates widespread transmission that will likely impact workforce availability across the state. RSV typically causes 3-7 days of absence per affected employee, with higher rates among workers with young children who may contract the virus from daycare/school settings.

Immediate WFM Actions: Activate contingency staffing plans for Montana operations. Increase PTO approval flexibility and eliminate attendance penalties for respiratory symptoms. Cross-train additional staff from unaffected regions for critical Montana functions. Implement temporary remote work options where operationally feasible. Monitor daily absence rates closely - expect 15-25% workforce impact over the next 2-3 weeks. Coordinate with local health authorities for workplace guidance and consider enhanced sanitization protocols for essential on-site operations.