On Thursday, the same day Flathead County health officials announced two additional COVID-19-related deaths and urged individuals to exercise caution amid climbing caseloads, the Flathead County commissioners released a statement saying they “support the Constitutional rights of Montanans to make choices about personal protection for themselves and their families.”

The commissioners released their statement a day after Gov. Steve Bullock said Flathead and Yellowstone counties, where cases continue to skyrocket, are not doing enough to implement his mask directive.

“The governor’s directive was to health officials and the county attorneys, not the commissioners. The commissioners do not have legal grounds to mandate masks or other health mandates. Instead, we support the Constitutional rights of Montanans to make choices about personal protection for themselves and their families,” the three commissioners wrote.

In a prepared statement, commissioner Randy Brodehl emphasized, “Whether you choose to mask up, or make a different choice should belong to our citizens, not the governor.” This was followed by a statement from commissioner Phil Mitchell who thanked the health-care community for their “commitment to meet the needs of our community…”

Commissioner Pam Holmquist did not offer a personal prepared statement, though her name was included at the top of the announcement, along with the other two commissioners.

The three also recommended business owners, employees and patrons follow the guidelines provided by the Flathead Public Health Officer, who, along with countless other health-care leaders in the valley, has spent months imploring individuals to wear masks, social distance and wash their hands frequently.

THE COUNTY’S COVID-19 death toll has risen 23 individuals.

In response to the ongoing surge in Flathead County cases, the health department released a statement Thursday afternoon urging vulnerable populations, including those 65 and older, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions, to think critically before venturing into public settings.

According to health department officials, contact tracing investigations have shown there are high rates of transmission in public spaces such as restaurants and bars, and at events and other social gatherings.

Additionally, a recent statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted COVID-19 can sometimes be spread by airborne transmission, typically occurring in enclosed spaces.

“We’re seeing an increase of cases associated with social events and time spent in public places” said Tamalee St. James Robinson, interim health officer for the Flathead City-County Health Department. “There are cases throughout the county associated with office lunches, restaurants, weddings and birthday parties. As a community, we need to think carefully and make smart decisions before we decide to attend an event or go to public spaces like restaurants and bars, particularly if you are part of a vulnerable population. Indoor events are particularly risky.”

The press release emphasizes Flathead County has “seen firsthand the potentially devastating effects of COVID-19 among our most vulnerable community members.”

To date, 13 residential care facilities in the valley have dealt, or are dealing with, COVID-19 outbreaks.

“Now more than ever our community needs to take these precautions seriously,” Robinson said. “Events such as Halloween are approaching and it is going to be vital that we find safer ways to celebrate. Follow the general public health precautions such as wear a mask, stay home if you are ill, and wash your hands. In addition, avoid large events and gatherings including costume parties and group trick or treating. We all have a role in keeping our schools and business open and our most vulnerable loved ones safe.”

Safer ways to celebrate Halloween can be found online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html

Reporter Kianna Gardner can be reached at 758-4407 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com