The Whitefish City Council today listened to nearly two hours of public comment before acting to require the wearing of face coverings in local businesses and other public settings where proper social distancing is not possible.

     The Emergency Ordinance takes effect at midnight tonight, requiring local business owners to provide masks or face coverings for their employees, and to require both their staff and customers to wear masks in all areas that are open to the general public.

 

     City Councilors pointed to the rising number of COVID-positive tests being seen in Flathead County -- and throughout the country -- in taking action to try and protect local residents and visitors from the virus. 

Businesses expected to act as 'enforcers' 

     Under the new Ordinance, Whitefish businesses are required to:

     Business who fail to enforce the ordinance will be subject to civil penalties of up to $300 for the first violation, and up to $500 for subsequent violations.   The ordinance will stay in effect for one month unless sooner repealed, and the Council may extend the ordinance if they deem it necessary.

     The City's Crisis Communications Team will be designing new window signs to inform the public about mask-wearing requirements; we'll include a link to the printable posters as soon as they're released by the City. 

      CLICK HERE to view the agenda packet for this morning's City Council meeting, including the full text of the Ordinance approved by Council.