Whitefish extends lodging restrictions

The city of Whitefish announced a “phased reopening plan” for motels, short-term rentals and other lodging facilities that continues restrictions on non-essential accommodations, according to a Tuesday press release from the city.

The plan follows guidelines set by Gov. Steve Bullock for Montana’s phased reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state is currently in phase one of its three-phase reopening plan – ”Reopening the Big Sky” – with no date determined for moving to phase two.

According to the city’s amended ordinance, all lodging facilities in Whitefish are prohibited from providing lodging to non-essential reservations and walk-in customers. All existing reservations for non-essential purposes during phase one must be canceled.

The city defines essential purposes as “government, health care, law enforcement, domestic violence victims, personnel responding to the COVID-19 emergency, work-related travel, family members of those seeking medical treatment” and individuals with a medical recommendation to quarantine away from their home.

Upon entering phase two, Whitefish lodging facilities may host Montana residents, though out-of-state residents must be traveling for an essential purpose.

Gov. Bullock is currently directing all out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine for at least 14 days. Once the governor lifts this directive, Whitefish lodging facilities may provide accommodations to any traveler.

Lodging facilities may still book all types of reservations during this time. However, the facility must cancel those reservations prior to their guests’ arrival if restrictions are still in effect.

According to Section 7 of the city ordinance, “Violation of this ordinance may result in revocation of the business license issued by the city.”

“We understand the challenges businesses face because the duration of each phase is determined by the governor,” City Manager Dana Smith said in the press release. “We do know that the duration of each phase is being regularly evaluated in close consultation with public health and emergency management professionals.

“We realize the uncertainty of timing is a challenge for our businesses,” she continued. “Since the state phases and quarantine requirements are based on scientific evidence and data for the spread of the virus, our city council felt this was the best approach to our own phased reopening of our lodging facilities in Whitefish.”

You can find the amended ordinance on the city’s website, cityofwhitefish.org.

Reporter Colin Gaiser may be reached at cgaiser@dailyinterlake.com.