Mask mandate approved in Hill County

Hill County Board of Health votes for local mask order

By: Patrick Johnston

The Hill County Board of Health voted to implement a countywide mask order at a special meeting this afternoon.

The order requires universal mask wearing with some exceptions, such as children younger than 5 being exempt and other special situations.

The order will remain in effect for 90 days, or until the county sees a per capita spread of COVID-19 of 10 per 100,000 people or lower for two consecutive weeks, after which the board will review all other factors and determine whether the order is still needed.

After a long and occasionally heated discussion of how Gov. Greg Gianforte's recent repeal of the statewide mask mandate should be interpreted, and what's best for the county as a whole, the board voted 3-1 to implement the order, with Hill County Commissioner Diane McLean voting no, and Hill County Commissioner Jake Strissel abstaining.

Board member Kristi Kline said the the job of the board is to protect the county's health.

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