Big Sky Times

Gov. Greg Gianforte has lifted the restrictions in the state in consideration of the damaging impact it has brought to Montana’s economy.

The state has recorded a nearly 500 percent increase in unemployment claims since the start of the pandemic compared to the previous year, according to WalletHub.

While the mask mandate is still in place, capacity limits and regulated hours of operations will no longer exist.

The governor said he trusts Montanans to mask up and follow CDC guidelines.

"I look forward to a day when we can all take off our masks, throw them in the trash and get on with our lives in a safe manner. Until we get there, I continue to choose to wear a mask and I encourage others to do the same," Gianforte said.

Aligned with the removal of the businesses’ capacity restrictions, Gianforte has also rescinded his predecessor’s mandate on the number of people who could gather in public events.

Gianforte is relying on businesses, schools, and citizens to make reasonable efforts in helping to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Following this announcement from Montana’s new governor, Gallatin County Public Health Officer Matt Kelley issued a statement saying “the rules related to bars, casinos, restaurants, distilleries, and breweries closing at 10 p.m., capacity limits for certain businesses, and limits on group size to 25 or less do not change with the governor’s announcement,” and the board of health will be expecting “businesses and individuals to continue to comply with these rules,” NBC Montana reported.