The Whitefish COVID Task Force recently released a series of videos featuring front line workers thanking the community for following safety measures around COVID-19 and has placed banners around downtown reminding folks to wear their masks.

"With over 100 new COVID-19 cases reported daily in the Flathead, our local doctors, nurses, and emergency responders wanted to speak to the public, asking for their cooperation," City Manager Dana Smith said.

The series of videos is called “The Truth Is.” In one video, frontline workers thank folks for wearing masks, staying home and washing hands, while noting that “the truth is” frontline workers are exhausted and hospitals are taxed, so it’s important as a community to keep following guidelines.

Banners also went up around downtown Whitefish recently asking folks to “Mask Up.” Whitefish residents are featured wearing masks on the banners and asking people to wear masks for various reasons such as so we can share a cup of coffee together or so teachers can continue to teach their students in class.

As of Monday afternoon, Flathead County had more than 2,000 active cases of the virus and had recorded a total of more than 7,400 cases, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department. The health department on Monday announced five additional deaths related to the virus bringing the total number of deaths in the county to 44.

Videos also feature Whitefish Firefighter Sarah Peterson asking people to recreate responsibly, and Dr. Jeremy Jennings from Glacier Medical Associates and Jessica Herman, an emergency room nurse at North Valley Hospital, both ask folks to do the simple task of wearing a mask.

Whitefish resident Dr. Cory Short of Kalispell Regional Medical Center says the last nine months have been difficult for everyone and with the holidays approaching it makes it even more difficult.

“I know it’s difficult, but we really need your help to mask, wash your hands, to not touch your face, to limit gatherings, to stay six feet away, and most importantly if you’re sick to stay home,” he says in the video. “We can’t do this without you. We all need to do our part so we can get back to living the lives we want to.”

Community leaders in November formed a task force they say is aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Whitefish so that schools and businesses can stay open. Members of the group include representatives from the city, Whitefish School District, medical community and businesses.

The messaging effort from the task force is being funded through Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding.

For more information, visit whitefishcovidcares.com.