Whitefish School District is continuing to require the wearing of masks related to the COVID-19 pandemic even after a statewide mask mandate has been lifted.

Gov. Greg Gianforte on Friday lifted the state mandate that had been in effect since July 2020.

Whitefish Superintendent Dave Means said the schools COVID-19 guidelines approved by the school board remain in effect and include requirements for wearing of face coverings for all students, staff and non-staff members in the schools. He also pointed out that the City of Whitefish has an ordinance requiring the wearing of masks.

“Both the city and our school district are in agreement that the safest way to protect our community is to continue wearing face coverings in public spaces at this time,” he said in a letter to families.

In addition to wearing masks, since the start of the school year certain safety measures have been in place to limit the spread of the virus such as frequent hand washing, additional cleaning and disinfecting, and physical distancing.

Means says data shows that these mitigation efforts are working.

“Thank you for all of your support of our COVID-19 mitigation strategies that have provided us the opportunity to provide in person instruction and options for our families,” Means said. “There is a lot of hope on the horizon and I am particularly proud of this community and the steps we have taken to keep each other safe and best support our families and children.”

School districts around Northwest Montana also made the decision to continue requiring masks.