Richland County: 1918 & 2020 Diseases

When we were kids, we heard about the epidemic of 1918. My uncle was an infant and died from it. At Stordahl Cemetery, his head stone has a single date. He did not survive to be a year old. My Dad was deathly sick from it, having been born in June 1918, but survived. 
 
Mom and Dad would tell us about the symptoms of Spanish Influenza, measures taken against it, and how widespread it became. For us kids, it was an distant world, too huge and too awful to comprehend.
 
Today, with conavirus diease (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, so many things are happening so fast that it is difficult to keep up. There is so much contradictory information. Knowing whom to trust is a problem.
 
For those of us living in Richland County, Montana, Order No. 2 of the Richland County Council of Defense, October 15, 1918 is an interesting piece of history. The text, preserved by the Montana State Historical Society, reads as follows:

Richland County Council of Defense
____________
 
Oct. 15, 1918.
 
ORDER NO. 2.
 
As a precautionary measure against the spread of Spanish Influ­enza which is now prevalent in Richland County, the serving of ice-­cream, milk, or soft drinks of any nature in any place of business be, and the same is, hereby prohibited.
 
The above order is issued on the grounds that dishes used in serving same are seldom sterilized.
 
If you have symptoms of the disease, STAY AT HOME. Do not ex­pose others. This order shall take effect at once and remain in force until revoked.
 
RICHLAND COUNTY COUNCIL OF DEFENSE.
By AUGUSTUS VAUX, Chairman.
 
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Housewives and those doing the purchasing for the homes are re­quested to use the phones wherever possible instead of visiting the stores. But whenever it becomes necessary to call at the store in per­son, it is suggested that they leave immediately upon making their purchase.
 
Arrangements for delivery of goods ordered by phone will be made by business houses.
 
Let us avoid gathering in private homes or public places and each do our part to help check the spread of Influenza