HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – At his first press conference as Governor, Governor Greg Gianforte says he is working towards revising or rescinding COVID-19 mandates that are currently in place.
Gianforte says the statewide mask mandate will be rescinded once the most vulnerable Montanans have been vaccinated and the state legislature provides liability protections for businesses, nonprofits and schools.
Gianforte says he will continue to wear a mask when in public and encourages others to do the same.
He said to stay tuned when asked whether the 10 PM closing time for bars and restaurants will be repealed.
He says new or revised directives and guidelines will be released over the coming days.
He says local health departments will continue to have broad authority to enforce stricter guidelines as long as the state remains in a public health emergency.
Gianforte adds that Phase 1B of COVID-19 vaccine prioritization will be revised to include all Montanans 70 years or older and Montanans aged 16-69 with specific underlying health conditions.
This story will be updated
