City Hall closes to public due to employee testing positive for COVID-19

Whitefish City Hall will close to the public beginning on Monday after a city employee tested positive for COVID-19.

The employee last worked at City Hall on Thursday, Sept. 17 and the city was notified on late Friday of the positive test, according to a release issued by the city Saturday. The city began working with the Flathead City-County Health Department and anyone considered a close contact will be notified by the health department.

The city had already installed and instituted safety measures related to COVID-19, but to further protect the public and employees, City Hall is closing until further notice. However, City Hall will be open to the public for the CIty Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 21, starting at 7:10 p.m.

City Manager Dana Smith said all potentially exposed employees are isolating at home and a deep cleaning of City Hall is scheduled for Sunday.

“Out of an abundance of caution for the health and well-being of our customers and employees, as well as to allow employees to work remotely as much as possible, we have chosen to temporarily close City Hall,” said City Manager Dana Smith.

City Council on Monday is set to consider an emergency ordinance to hold upcoming Council and other board and committee meetings remotely.

During the closure of City Hall to the public, all city services will remain available remotely, by phone or email. The vestibule at City Hall will be open for the public to drop off building plans or other applications. Payments may be mailed, dropped off in the payment drop box off Baker Avenue, or made by credit card over the phone by calling 406-863-2400 or online at www.cityofwhitefish.org.

“The health and safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority,” said Smith. “We appreciate your understanding as we navigate these challenging times. Please remember to follow the guidance from the Health Department and the Governor’s directives to help us slow the spread of COVID-19.”

The public is also encouraged to sign up for notifications on the City’s new web site at www.cityofwhitefish.org.