Gianforte rescinds most COVID-19 mandates

At a press conference this afternoon Gov. Greg Gianforte announced a revision to the COVID-19 mandates of his predecessor that effectively eliminates any restrictions on gathering size, the operating hours of restaurants, bars, breweries and casinos or their in-dining-room capacity.

This new directive will go into effect on Friday morning.

Gianforte said his administration has consulted with public health experts, health care providers, and business leaders before making this decision, which he said was an effort refocus the state toward personal responsibility.

He said the directive does not change the authority of local public health departments, but said he believes his plan is best for most communities.

He said he encouraged Montanans to continue wearing masks and continue social distancing, but the new directive removes any limit on crowd gathering size.

"I look forward to a day where we can all remove our masks throw them in the trash and move on with out lives in a safe manner," he said.

Watch for more in Thursday's edition of Havre Daily News.