Council passes resolution encouraging folks to follow COVID recommendations

Whitefish City Council is imploring folks to follow recommendations for slowing the spread of COVID-19 and protect those most vulnerable to the virus.

During a special meeting Monday, Council unanimously approved a resolution urging people to follow public health guidance and directives while also showing its support for the Whitefish COVID-19 task force.

As of Tuesday morning, there were about 1,100 active cases of COVID-19 in Flathead County and about 8,000 total confirmed cases, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department. Whitefish had 115 active cases.

Countywide, there were 23 hospitalizations related to the virus, and 44 deaths.

"We must stay safe throughout the holidays and continue our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19," City Manager Dana Smith said. "In passing this resolution, the City of Whitefish continues to distribute a unified message of encouraging its citizens and visitors to do the right thing by following current health directives."

Whitefish’s resolution says the city asks individuals to follow Gov. Steve Bullock’s directives and the recommendations of the Flathead City-County Health Department by staying home when sick, wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces, limiting gatherings to no more than 25 people and continuing to practice hand washing and social distancing. It does provide an exception for schools and houses of worship.

In addition, the city encourages all businesses to comply with the governor’s directives that reduce capacity to 50% and require a close time of 10 p.m. for restaurants and bars.

"We have to stay diligent to protect our vulnerable population," Smith said. "Though we are all fatigued at this point, now is the time to step up to make sure everyone is there when we get to gather again."

The resolution also says City Council supports the efforts of the Whitefish COVID-19 task force to provide messaging that encourages following recommended health measures aimed at slowing the spread of the virus to ensure that “hospitals and clinics are not overburdened, keep businesses and schools open, and support frontline workers.”

Community leaders in November formed a task force they say is aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Whitefish so that schools and businesses can stay open. Members of the group include representatives from the city, Whitefish School District, medical community and businesses.

The resolution asks residents and visitors to be a “Friend of the Fish” by taking a pledge to follow health guidelines. Those taking the pledge at www.whitefishcovidcares.com will be randomly selected to win prizes that include gift cars to Whitefish businesses.