Gianforte rescinds statewide mask mandate

Effective last Friday, the statewide mask mandate in Montana was rescinded by Gov. Greg Gianforte, along with two election-related orders made by Gianforte's predecessor, former Gov. Steve Bullock.

The mask mandate, put in place by Bullock in response to increasing spread of COVID-19 in the state required that Montanans wear masks in public places, including in businesses, government offices and most other indoor environments open to the public, as well as outdoor gatherings where social distancing is impossible.

Gianforte said the rescinding of this mandate is in line with his belief that the...