Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte speaks with Flathead County Health Officer Joe Russell during a tour of a Covid-19 vaccination clinic at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell in this Feb. 12, 2021, file photo. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
February 12, 2021
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School Covid guidance stokes health board criticism
Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist adamantly defended the actions of the county health board over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic after one board member lobbed accusations that the board had failed to uphold an oath to the Constitution and was harming the community.
Board rebukes accusation of 'rogue' health officer
The Flathead City-County Board of Health on Thursday voted to update its by-laws to reflect a new inter local agreement that gives Whitefish and Columbia Falls representation on the board, as well as to adhere to new laws passed by the state Legislature that subjects emergency decisions by local health boards and health officers to approval by elected officials.
Gianforte sends National Guard to aid in virus response
National Guard soldiers will assist Montana hospitals with their Covid-19 response as the state struggles with a surge in infections, Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Tuesday.
More than half of states have rolled back public health powers in pandemic
Republican legislators in more than half of U.S. states, spurred on by voters angry about lockdowns and mask mandates, are taking away the powers state and local officials use to protect the public against infectious diseases.
Montana law contradicts CDC quarantine recommendations
A Montana law is limiting health departments' ability to issue quarantine orders as it sees a wave of Covid-19 cases threatening the state's health care system.
New law invalidates Whitefish mask ordinance
Whitefish's mask ordinance is null and void after Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill prohibiting certain kinds of local health rules that affect businesses' bottom lines. But any business in the state may still require face coverings if they so choose.
Gianforte signs bill giving elected officials power over health boards
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed a bill that subjects emergency decisions by local health boards and health officers to approval by elected officials.
Health officer: Pause on J&J won’t dampen vaccination efforts
Flathead County's health officer says the national pause on Johnson and Johnson doses won’t dampen local vaccine efforts