Make Masks Mandatory in Montana

The Problem:

Montana has experienced an alarming upward trend in COVID-19 cases since Phase 2 of reopening was implemented. Public health experts continue to advise that wearing a mask in public is critical to stopping the spread of this disease. Most concerning is that many individuals who contract the disease are asymptomatic, and as such, can easily and unknowingly pass on this disease to others. If mask wearing in public continues to be optional in Montana, the safety of our communities will become increasingly vulnerable. This is especially the case for those who are at high risk, essential workers, and our health care workers and their families.

While some businesses do require their employees and customers to wear a mask or face covering, mask use in general is sporadic and unpredictable. And with tourism season upon us, more and more people will be traveling to and within our state. Montanans, including Montana businesses, deserve and expect a level playing field. Unless more proactive measures are taken, the number of COVID-19 cases will continue to rise to unacceptable levels. It will only be a matter of time before more Montanans lose their lives if action is not taken. We must act now!

The Solution: 

Governor Bullock must issue a statewide health mandate that requires a mask be worn in high risk public settings when social distancing measures are not likely to be effective.

In addition, the Governor needs to effectively educate the public about the importance of wearing a mask, take measures to ensure access to masks for all Montanans, and enforce the mandate.       

What You Can Do: 

1. Sign this petition if you reside in Montana.
2. Contact Governor Bullock. Here's their contact info
3. Contact Montana Department of Public Health. Here's their contact info

Stay Informed:

There is a substantial amount of information to support the basic fact that masks reduce the spread of COVID-19. Below are few. 

https://www.npr.org/2020/06/17/879682816/a-growing-body-of-research-highlights-the-importance-of-wearing-face-masks

http://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2020/06/stanford-scientists-contribute-to-who-mask-guidelines.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html

This petition was created by Tracee Gianchetta, Beth Berlin and Maureen Olejniczak