Task force continues to urge following COVID safety precautions

The Whitefish COVID task force has released another series of outreach videos focusing on shopping local, recreating responsibly and protecting the elderly.

It’s part of the task force’s larger campaign aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. The task force has already placed banners around the community, sponsored Instagram posts and run radio ads featuring Mayor John Muhlfeld and Whitefish Olympian Maggie Voisin.

One of the recent videos features Samuel Dauenhauer, co-founder of Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, Wild Coffee Company and Lilybird Juice. In the video, he thanks community members across the Flathead for taking covid-safety measures seriously, and for supporting local businesses.

“There are a lot of struggling small businesses out there, and we need everybody that we can to support us through these hard times,” he says.

In a second video, Stella Hobbs of Great Northern Ski and Cycle reflects on the high volume of skis, boots and climbing skins her shop has sold over the last few months, and a concerning lack of accompanying safety gear such as avalanche beacons, shovels and probes.

Hobbs cautions viewers that “if you intend to go uphill or downhill anywhere outside of the resort...it’s important to get the gear and get the training to use that gear, and know where you’re going before you go.”

In a third video, Columbia Falls resident and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Member Jolene Begay, reflects on her reasons for wearing a mask. After experiencing the death of her uncle, a respected elder in the tribe, due to COVID-19, she asks that all community members mask up to keep our most vulnerable safe.

The task force is made up of community members and representatives from the City of Whitefish and Whitefish School District.

All residents and visitors to Whitefish and Flathead County are encouraged to take the pledge to “Be a Friend of The Fish” and commit to following safety measures related to COVID. Those who take the pledge are eligible to win prizes such as $100 to Wasabi Sushi Bar or $100 to Montana Coffee Traders.

For more information visit WhitefishCovidCares.com.