City taking comments on resolution that would encourage use of masks

The City of Whitefish is accepting comments on a proposed resolution that strongly encourages the use of masks in Whitefish.

City Council is set to vote on the resolution at its meeting on Monday, July 6 following a public hearing. The meeting begins at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.

“In response to dozens of email requests by business owners and citizens, the mayor, deputy mayor, and city staff have recently met with stakeholders to discuss the need for front line employees, visitors, and locals to wear a mask in public when social distancing is not possible,” Whitefish City Manager Dana Smith said in a media advisory.

The input received has been overwhelmingly positive for the city to take formal action, Smith said.

The public is encouraged to provide comments on the Whitefish resolution by 4 p.m. on Monday, July 6, via email, addressed to the city clerk (mhowke@cityofwhitefish.org). Comments should include a full name and address of the person submitting. Concise, courteous, and polite comments are appreciated, Smith said.

Since City Hall capacity is reduced by COVID-19 guidelines, a limited number of people can attend the council meeting in person. However, the meeting can be streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel.

Other Montana communities are looking at similar measures.

Missoula city and county officials requested the local public health officer issue an order requiring people to wear masks or cloth face coverings in licensed businesses to prevent the spread of the virus.

In Lewis and Clark County, elected officials warned residents that they will implement new restrictions if people don’t follow guidelines like mask-wearing and social distancing.

Big Horn County already requires all people to wear masks when outside their homes.