Big Sky Times

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has been cracking down on his mask mandate, especially at schools and their events, even if he himself doesn't always adhere to his order. 

While Bullock continues to enforce coronavirus mandates, he has been seen violating his own mask mandate. During a sporting event not only was the governor not wearing his mask but his wife brought her mother to the event, which goes directly against coronavirus restrictions, Montana Daily Gazette reported last month.

Montana rules indicate that only two parents are allowed at school events in addition to immediate family. This doesn't include grandparents, yet the state's first lady brought her mother to the event, while other grandparents allegedly were refused entry. 

In addition to schools, Bullock is also cracking down on businesses that haven't been following his mask mandate. Mask and social distancing mandates have been implemented across the state, Whitefish Pilot reported. 

Bullock also has implemented a team of state employees to make "observational site visits" to ensure businesses are complying with safety orders. Some of the businesses had minor issues and others had more serious concerns. 

"Concerns included repeated failure by employees and patrons to wear face coverings, social distancing and other public health measures meant to mitigate the spread of COVID-19," Jon Ebelt, a spokesman for the state Department of Public Health and Human Services [DPHHS], told Whitefish Pilot in an email.

He said repeat offenders can either follow coronavirus orders or be closed down, with five businesses in Flathead County marked as known offenders, Montana Free Press reported. 

Businesses that continue to violate the coronavirus laws could potentially have a restraining order filed against them by the state until the business creates and implements measures that comply with state regulations. Under the restraining order, the business would also be forced to remain closed. 

"The goal here is to make sure that businesses are following the measures. We need to keep folks safe," Bullock said, Montana Free Press reported. "If businesses come into compliance, we'll gladly drop the enforcement.".