Health board adopts mask policy to resume in-person meetings

After months of conducting regular meetings online, the Flathead City-County Board of Health once again will resume in-person sessions, but with new COVID-19 protocols in place for members and attendees.

During a special meeting Wednesday, the board unanimously voted to adopt a policy that will require those at future meetings to wear a face mask or appropriate face covering until they are seated at least six feet from other persons present at the meeting. Those “claiming a condition” precluding the wearing of a mask or facial covering will be allowed, the policy notes.

In addition, depending on the size of the meeting room and number of people in attendance, individuals may be required to wait outside of the main space until they are asked to participate. That may include members of the public who wish to comment on health board matters.

Any person not willing to abide by the rules will be asked to leave the facility. And according to the policy, intentional disruptions of the protocols will result in that meeting being adjourned and a new meeting will be scheduled “when appropriate accommodations can be made.”

THE POLICY pertains to Board of Health meetings only and “will remain in effect in its entirety until modified or rescinded by the board.” That rule is one of a handful that drew some debate during the special meeting.

Some members, namely Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist, felt the policy should expire when Gov. Greg Gianforte lifts the statewide mask mandate.

Gianforte has loosened certain COVID-19 restrictions, such as scrapping the 10 p.m. curfew for bars and restaurants. But the mandate requiring the vast majority of people to wear masks indoors and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained remains in place, though it is unclear for how long.

Holmquist argued that since other parts of the policy were fashioned after the Republican governor’s mask mandate, the rescinding portion of it should be as well. Others suggested a deadline of sorts be added, such as “this policy will be reviewed by the board no later than May 20, 2021.”

However, Health Officer Joe Russell explained that any two members can call a special meeting at any time should they feel the policy needs to be revisited or amended in the coming weeks and months. He also highlighted the Board of Health’s authority to operate independently from government entities, stating “I don’t think you should let someone else take your action away,” in reference to the idea of allowing the policy to expire based on when the state’s mandate lifts.

Another piece that prompted some back-and-forth among board members was whether to expand “face mask” to include “face covering.” While the language was eventually added into the policy, the members avoided specifying “face shield,” in an effort not to get “too into the weeds” with definitions.

Those interested attending or participating in Flathead City-County Board of Health meetings can find upcoming agendas and other information at https://www.flatheadhealth.org/

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