Skip to content
The COVID Project
  1. Library
  2. Montana
  3. MT-016

Ex. MT-016 Order Primary source read

Face Covering Directive (Directive implementing Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 and providing for the mandatory use of face coverings in certain settings)

Directive implementing Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 and providing for the mandatory use of face coverings in certain settings

Governor Steve Bullock · Montana (State)

The COVID Project

The record

Jurisdiction
Montana
Level
State
Authority
Mont. Code Ann. 10-3-104(2)(c); 10-3-305(2); 50-1-101(2), -202, -203, -204; 10-3-103(4)
Issued
2020-07-15 July 15, 2020
Effective
2020-07-15 ('effective immediately'), in counties with four or more confirmed and active cases (read as 2020-07-15)
End
'expires at the end of the declared state of emergency'; extended statewide regardless of case count Nov. 20, 2020 (MT-018); retained by the Jan. 13, 2021 Directive (MT-020); expired Feb. 12, 2021 (MT-021) (read as 2021-03-31)
In force
July 15, 2020 to Mar. 31, 2021
Quarters
2020 Q32020 Q42021 Q1
Limitation types
Gathering capFace-covering requirementWorkplace rules
Addressees
  • all businesses (defined to include retail, grocery, food and beverage, lodging, personal care, medical providers, pharmacies, gyms, museums and theaters, gas stations, repair services, non-profits, realty, legal and transportation services)
  • government offices
  • persons responsible for indoor spaces open to the public
  • sponsors of organized outdoor activities of 50 or more
Functions reached
  • SF sales floor
  • DR dining room
  • SL salon
  • OF public-facing offices
  • MK organized outdoor events of 50 or more
  • HR (face coverings to be provided to employees)
  • CB customers
Collection
Montana MT

Operative words

Except as provided in section 4 of this Directive, all businesses, government offices, or other persons responsible for indoor spaces open to the public shall require and take reasonable measures to ensure that all employees, contractors, volunteers, customers, or other members of the public wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose at all times while entering or remaining in any indoor spaces open to the public. Face coverings shall be provided for all employees and volunteers. All points of entry open to the public shall have a clearly visible sign posted stating: "Mask or face covering use required for ages five and older."... for any organized outdoor activity where social distancing is not possible or is not observed, sponsors shall require and take reasonable measures to ensure that all persons attending an organized outdoor activity wear a face covering... The provisions of this Directive apply only to counties in which there are four or more confirmed and active COVID-19 cases

Enforcement

'5. Enforcement. This Directive... constitutes a "public health... order" within the meaning of 50-1-103(2), MCA, and is enforceable by the Attorney General, DPHHS, a county attorney, or other local authorities under the direction of a county attorney.... This Directive is enforceable only against businesses and other persons who are responsible for indoor spaces open to the public, or sponsors of organized outdoor activities'; peace officers may enforce trespass laws against refusing patrons; good-faith reliance on customer representations is 'an affirmative and complete defense'

Notes

Definition of 'indoor space open to the public' includes 'all modes of public or commercial transportation'; exceptions for children under five, eating and drinking, strenuous exercise, communicating with the hearing impaired, performers separated by six feet, identification, medical treatment, medical conditions; 'Counties, cities, and towns may adopt more restrictive ordinances'

Retrieval note

Bundled row (verified_primary) confirmed.