Reminder issued about face masks

Whitefish is reminding folks about the guidelines surrounding the wearing of face masks in pubic, and noting that neither the city nor state requirements to do so provide for criminal or civil citations for those who do not wear a face covering.

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock on Wednesday, July 15 issued a directive requiring face masks, just one day after Whitefish City Council passed an emergency ordinance requiring face masks in certain public settings in the city.

Both were issued as part of efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Counties with three or less active cases are exempt from the state directive, which means it does apply to Flathead County.

The city ordinance still remains in effect, except where the governor’s directive is more restrictive, according to City Manager Dana Smith.

“If you see someone without a mask in a public setting, please ask to speak with the store manager rather than trying to self-enforce the mask requirements,” she said.

The reminder was issued following an incident over the weekend at Super 1 Foods when some shoppers allegedly got into an altercation revolving around face masks.

Judith Stevenson, of Whitefish, was not wearing a face mask in the store saying she had an underlying health condition preventing her from doing so, according to a police report.

Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial said Stevenson and another woman had a disagreement, and Stephane Ferry of Big Sky began recording it.

When the parties got to the parking lot the situation escalated. Stevenson allegedly coughed on Ferry’s wife, then he allegedly responded by breaking the back window of Stevenson’s vehicle.

Stevenson was charged with disorderly conduct and Ferry was charged with criminal mischief.

Dial said those with concerns about people not following the mask ordinance should talk to store management or file a complaint with the city or the county health department.

“We’re concerned about people who try to take justice into their own hands,” he said. “Report issues involving those not wearing face masks to the city or county and don’t call 911.”

Complaints can be filed through the city at www.cityofwhitefish.org/covidcomplaint or through the Flathead City-County Health Department at https://flatheadhealth.org/

Smith said the city has already received about a dozen complaints about those not following the mask guidelines and it is following up on those.

Under the city ordinance, businesses found to be in violation can lose their business license and could face a fine.

“We plan to first reach out to the businesses, discuss the complaint and procedures of the business, prior to moving through any process,” Smith said.

The state directive requires masks or face coverings for anyone over the age of 5. The governor’s directive requires masks to be worn in all indoor spaces open to the public, which includes places of work and government buildings.

There are certain exceptions to wearing a mask for those with physical or mental disabilities who can’t tolerate masks, and for those who or dining or drinking while seated in a restaurant to bar. Those who are actively exercising and individuals in private offices where social distancing can be maintained are also exempt from wearing a mask.

Reusable cloth masks are available at City Hall during regular business hours. A donation from the Montana Hospital Association in partnership with the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau, provided the city with masks for individuals who do not have their own face covering.

Smith last week said the city has about 1,000 reusable masks on-hand and plans to procure additional masks as needed.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many events have been canceled, but the city is still anticipating certain special events to take place this summer.

The city is requiring that all special event organizers work with the health department to ensure their event has put into place all safety measures to meet the governor’s guidelines for phase two of reopening, prior to obtaining city approval. In addition, special events will have to meet the city’s ordinance requiring face coverings for organized gatherings of 20 or more people.

The turn-around for event reviews is about three days.

Individuals with additional questions about the state directive can call the Montana COVID-19 Informational line at 1-888-333-0461. For questions about the city ordinance, call City Hall at 406-863-2400.