COVID-19 rules lifted in directive

Gov. Greg Gianforte has issued a new directive that will lift restrictions on small businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new three-page directive replaces over 25 pages and layers of the existing directive, leading to less confusion amongst Montanans.

While the state's mask mandate remains in effect, Gianforte's directive removes the 25-person limit on public gatherings and removes the capacity limitations on establishments and the operating hours restrictions on bars and casinos.

“Improving our response to the pandemic has been my top priority,” Gianforte said in a news release last Wednesday. “Today, I am issuing a new directive that removes or replaces the cumbersome layers of the existing ones. These new directives are clear. They are practical. They are common sense. And they are easy to understand.” The news release states that the governor’s directive repeals onerous, arbitrary regulations on Montana small businesses, including restrictions on hours of operation and capacity.

It’s been nearly one year since the initial stay-at-home directives and restrictions went into effect all across the country and state; and since that time, the small business owners of Montana have worked diligently to create a safe environment for their employees and patrons while fighting to keep their doors open. “We can reduce the burden on our small business owners while simultaneously protecting the health of Montana workers and customers,” Gianforte stated. “These are not mutually exclusive.”

The directive replaces the 25-person limit on public gatherings with simple guidance that, “any public gathering or events should be managed in a way that accommodates Centers for Disease Control and Prevention social distancing guidelines.” Where industry best practices do not exist, the governor’s directive states that such policies should be developed and implemented in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and guidance.

Sanders County Sanitarian Shawn Sorenson said that he communicates with licensed estatblishments in the county regularly. He continues to reach out to businesses and educate them on the directives when complaints are received through the state database.

Several of Montana business leaders, including Montana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd O’Hair, welcomed the new directive from the governor. “We know that the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry has been hit particularly hard during this pandemic,” O’Hair stated. “By lifting the restrictions placed on indoor seating, removing limits on hours of operation, and eliminating capacity limits, these businesses will begin to operate normally again. Montanans will be back to work, and our economy will be one step further into recovery.”

Gov. Gianforte has also stated his mission to provide a clear path to rescinding the statewide mask mandate. The first step in that path will be vaccinating Montana’s most vulnerable residents. The second step will be for the legislature to send to the governor’s desk, measures to protect businesses and schools from lawsuits if they make a good faith effort to protect individuals from the spread of the coronavirus and follow clear public health guidelines.

Gov. Gianforte’s full executive order can be found online at http://www.mt.gov.