Montana’s statewide mask mandate that had been in place since July was lifted Friday by Gov. Greg Gianforte, but some cities and counties are keeping local mask requirements because they think the governor’s move was premature.
Gianforte has been a vocal opponent to the mask mandate, which was signed into law by his predecessor, Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock, in July.
Gianforte, a Republican, promised the day after assuming office in January that he would lift the state’s mask mandate once there were liability protections in place for businesses and health care providers, and once enough vulnerable Montana residents were vaccinated against COVID-19.
The governor said this week that both requirements had been met after he signed a law that would protect businesses from lawsuits by customers and employees related to contracting the virus.
The governor made the announcement Wednesday, during a signing ceremony for legislation that would shield businesses, health care providers, houses of worship and nonprofit organizations from coronavirus-related lawsuits.
Some cities and counties are keeping local mask requirements because they think the governor’s move was premature.
Among those keeping local mask rules are: Lewis and Clark, Gallatin, Butte-Silver Bow and Missoula counties along with the city of Whitefish and several of Montana’s Native American reservations.
“We’ve got thousands of Montanans who can’t get a vaccine and they’re vulnerable because they’re seniors or because they have underlying health conditions,” said Gallatin County Health Officer Matt Kelley, calling the governor’s decision “confusing and concerning.”
“I’d like everybody to have a chance at the vaccine before we take the mask mandate down,” Kelley said.
Gianforte is not the only Republican governor who is standing up for freedom.
On February 5th, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, also lifted her state’s mask mandate.
Iowans will no longer be required to wear face coverings in public when around other people for at least 15 minutes.
Businesses will not be required to limit the number of customers or keep them socially distanced.
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