Big Sky Times

Montana's new Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte said he will overturn the state's mask mandate but only after vaccinations have reached a certain point.

In addition, he has on his desk a bill protecting businesses, places of worships, schools and nonprofits from lawsuits involving mask wear and other public health-related matters.

In his first news conference since being sworn in as governor, Gianforte described the continuing COVID-19 outbreak as a public health crisis that has left more than 1,000 Montanans dead and 83,000 infected.

But he also noted the pandemic's underlying effects, including the increased isolation that has led to a rise in mental health issues, more suicides, drug use, domestic violence and child abuse.

Gianforte believes the economic crisis caused by the pandemic has to be tackled in tandem with public health.

"I fully intend to rescind the statewide mask mandate, but the path to rescind the mandate will be clear," he said at the conference, as reported by the Casper Star Tribune.

The state will provide incentives and promote personal responsibility, increase the vaccination rollout and the governor said his office will push the Legislature to pass a bill protecting businesses and others from lawsuits if they properly following public health guidelines.

Gianforte outlined his plan for the next stage of the vaccine rollout, with a focus on people 70 and older and those 16-69 who have underlying health conditions.

Approximately 250,000 people, slightly less than a quarter of the state's population, fall into this group, Gianforte said.

"This will not be simple," he said at the conference. "There will be challenges, but we are committed to prioritize protecting the most vulnerable in our communities."

The next vaccination phase, 1B, includes front-line essential workers, people 75 and older, those residing in congregate care and correctional facilities, Native Americans and other people of color who may be a higher risk.

The state has received 36,000 first doses of vaccines, while another 41,000 doses are expected in the coming weeks. About 23,000 Montanans have been vaccinated but only with the first shot of the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

The change in the vaccine distribution plan starts immediately, with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services is working with local health departments, hospitals and other health care providers.

The first vaccine distribution phase involving 60,000 front-line health care workers and the staff and residents of long-term care facilities is expected to be completed by Feb. 26.