Governor Bullock issues statewide mask mandate for Montana
For all persons ages 5 and up in indoor public places, effective until state of emergency is declared over
July 17, 2020
Montana Governor Bullock issued a statewide mask mandate on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 declare that a state of emergency exists in Montana due to the global outbreak of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. COVID-19 is an easily transmissible, potentially fatal respiratory illness that spreads in the air through droplets from infected persons. COVID-19 is transmissible even by individuals who are not currently showing symptoms of the disease and who do not know they are infected.
The order requires wearing a face covering over the nose and mouth and applies to counties with four or more active cases, effective immediately. The Governor’s directive states that use of a fabric covering over the mouth and nose is an effective means of limiting the potential for transmission to others by both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals infected with the virus. "Recent research suggests that universal use of face coverings in enclosed public spaces would substantially reduce the spread of COVID-19."
It applies to certain indoor business settings that are open to the public and outdoor gatherings with 50 or more people when distancing is not possible.
Face Covering Requirement in Indoor Spaces Open to the Public
Except as provided in section 4 of the Directive, all businesses, government offices, or other persons responsible for indoor spaces open to the public shall require and take reasonable measures to ensure that all employees, contractors, volunteers, customers, or other members of the public wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose at all times while entering or remaining in any indoor spaces open to the public.
Face coverings shall be provided for all employees and volunteers.
All points of entry open to the public shall have a clearly visible sign posted stating: "Mask or face covering use required for ages five and older."
Face Covering Requirements for Certain Organized Outdoor Activities
Except as provided in section 4 of the Directive, for any organized outdoor activity where social distancing is not possible or is not observed, sponsors shall require and take reasonable measures to ensure that all persons attending an organized outdoor activity wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose at all times.
This section applies only where the nature of the organized outdoor activity makes it impracticable for all attendees to maintain at least six feet of physical distance from each other, or any organized outdoor activity where attendees are not observing at least six feet of physical distance from others.
At all outdoor gatherings of 50 or more people, whether or not it constitutes an organized outdoor activity, all individuals except those covered by section 4 of this Directive are required to wear face coverings while in attendance where it is impracticable to maintain six feet of physical distance at all times, or whether attendees are not observing at least six feet of physical distance from others.
Exceptions
Businesses, government offices, other persons responsible for indoor spaces open to the public, and sponsors of organized outdoor activities are not required to ensure the following individuals wear face coverings:
Children under the age of five. All children between the ages of two and four, however, are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in accordance with the provisions of this Directive. Children under the age of two should not wear a face covering.
Persons consuming food or drinks in an establishment that offers food or drinks for sale.
Persons engaged in an activity that makes wearing a face covering impractical or unsafe such as strenuous physical exercise or swimming.
Persons seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired.
Persons giving a speech or engaging in an artistic, cultural, musical, or theatrical performance for an audience, provided the audience is separated by at least six feet of distance.
Persons temporarily removing their face covering for identification purposes.
Persons required to remove face coverings for the purpose of receiving medicalevaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Persons who have a medical condition precluding the safe wearing of a face covering.
Enforcement
This Directive is enforceable only against businesses and other persons who are responsible for indoor spaces open to the public, or sponsors of organized outdoor activities as defined in this Directive.
Local public health agencies and law enforcement should focus their enforcement of this Directive on education, providing warnings and education about the risk of transmission, while reserving the imposition of penalties, trespass enforcement, and other formal enforcement mechanisms for only the most egregious, repeat violations that put the public at risk.
Businesses, other persons responsible for indoor spaces open to the public, and sponsors of organized outdoor activities may deny entry, refuse service, or ask to leave any person, except those provided for in section 4 of this Directive, who refuse to wear a face covering. If such a person refuses to wear a face covering and refuses to leave the premises, a peace officer may enforce the State’s trespassing laws and any other laws the person may violate.
The state of Montana has had 2,231 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 35 deaths as of the time of this report. Lincoln County has had 40 confirmed cases and 1 death.
This Directive is effective immediately (July 15, 2020) and expires at the end of the declared state of emergency in Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020.
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center made 'Mask Required Upon Entry' signs and they are available free for Libby Chamber members for pick up at the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce office.
Read the full mask order directive here.
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