Health Board to consider order limiting indoor gatherings

The Flathead City-County Board of Health will hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss and vote on a new Health Officer Order that would limit indoor gatherings to 500 people, with the exception of traditional church services.

An almost identical proposal went before the board during its most recent meeting on Oct. 15, but in a 5-3 vote, members voted to take no action on the matter. Among other measures, that proposal would have banned gatherings of more than 500 people as well, but did not specify indoor versus outdoor events.

According to Tamalee St. James Robinson, interim health officer for the health department, the language in the new order specifies indoor events, which is just one aspect of the original proposal that a handful of board members took issue with. In addition to placing a cap on the size of indoor events, those who wish to host large gatherings must first submit a detailed plan to the health department outlining ways in which they plan to abide by COVID-19 protocols and limit possible transmission of the virus.

The proposal stemmed from recent case investigations that found a large number of Flathead County’s new COVID-19 cases were linked to indoor gatherings and large events such as weddings, group dinners and trade shows.

The order that’s on the table comes as Flathead County is experiencing a decline in COVID-19 activity. Robinson confirmed Thursday that new daily case counts have steadily dropped in recent weeks, with prevalence rates dipping from 51 cases per 100,000 to about 39 per 100,000.

“We are seeing some positive trends. Three weeks ago we were second in the state for number of active cases, now we are sixth,” Robinson said. She added that although reasons for the decline are currently unclear, she “would like to think it’s because more people have been wearing masks, social distancing and doing their part.”

Although the numbers indicate COVID-19’s spread might be waning, Robinson cautioned that now is certainly not the time for Flathead County to let its guard down. She said the health department is “waiting to see” what happens after Halloween and other upcoming events, such as the general election.

“We are really going to be focused on Halloween and would encourage people to limit the number of people they see, wear masks and socially distance,” Robinson said. “We don’t want Halloween to become a super spreader event.”

The board is scheduled to meet via zoom conference at noon on Monday. To submit a public comment prior to the meeting, go to https://flatheadhealth.org/agenda/

Reporter Kianna Gardner can be reached at 758-4407 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com