HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock on Sunday ordered public schools closed, nursing home visits drastically cut and recommended that public gatherings be limited to fewer than 50 people.

Bullock said in a statement the extraordinary measures are being taken in an effort to head off the coronavirus outbreak. On Friday, Montana became one of the last states to have a positive case of the virus, and there were six known cases in the state as of Sunday.

“Social distancing is one of the most important primary protective measures to flatten the curve of this virus," Bullock said in a statement. "I cannot underscore the seriousness of following these measures to help our neighbors, friends, and families.”

The vast majority of people infected recover. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three weeks to six weeks to recover.

The school closure goes into effect Monday and will last until March 27. Most schools are scheduled for spring break that week, effectively making it a three week closure, at least.

Schools are making arrangements to continue serving free meals to students who need them and make contingency plans for remote learning and other services if the break is extended.

The governor said Montana nursing homes will limit visitation to only certain compassionate care situations, such as end-of-life-care, and those people will be screened before being allowed entry.

Bullock also made a series of recommendations for social distancing, including capping public gatherings to 50 people. People 60 or older or with chronic health conditions shouldn't participate in any public gatherings, especially those with more than 20 people, he said.

Parents should also avoid placing children into the care of people who are over 60.