Mixed results for mask mandate in Bigfork

Mixed results for mask mandate in Bigfork

Almost a month has passed since Governor Steve Bullock issued a directive requiring the use of face coverings in Montana’s public places in an effort to combat COVID-19. But in Bigfork, mask use remains a controversial practice for many restaurants and businesses.

On July 15, Bullock directed everyone in Montana counties with more than four coronavirus cases to wear face coverings in public places, unless they are under 5 years old or prohibited by a medical condition. As of Aug. 11, Flathead County had 352 cases.

The guidelines have gotten mixed reviews by locals and visitors alike at businesses and restaurants in Bigfork. While some business leaders and customers have made a relatively smooth transition to mask use, others find face coverings cumbersome or believe the governor’s guidance is over-reaching.

The governor’s order states, “Businesses, other indoor spaces open to the public and sponsors of organized outdoor activities may…deny entry, refuse service or ask any person to leave if they refuse to wear a face covering. If necessary, they may rely on peace officers to enforce the state’s trespassing laws if a person refuses to wear a face covering and refuses to leave the premises.”

So far, most business owners said they haven’t had to resort to these drastic measures. But compliance with the new regulations hasn’t been popular among all patrons and entrepreneurs.

“I’ll go the distance to keep my customers safe … but I think masks are too far,” said Deva Grear, owner of Great Northern Gourmet on Grand Drive.

Grear explained she’s been dedicated to upping her cleaning and sanitizing regimen, spreading out tables and limiting the capacity to 10 people in her small Bigfork restaurant. But she doesn’t feel the same way about the requirement that everyone in the eatery wear a face covering. She said she wouldn’t be comfortable strictly enforcing the mandate with a non-compliant customer.

“I’m not going to kick somebody out,” she said. “I don’t police people. It’s not my job to police them.”

Plus, Grear added, she’s noticed an over-emphasis on mask wearing while many people seem to overlook the other recommendations for slowing the spread of COVID-19, such as hand-washing. “There’s so much more focus on the mask thing,” she pointed out. “No one’s in the bathrooms policing whether you’re washing your hands.”

Luckily, in Grear’s experience most restaurant guests seem to be taking compliance into their own hands. “For the most part I have seen people really respecting the mandate,” she related.

Andrea Sliter shared a similar experience. “It’s gone over really pretty well,” Sliter said of the Bigfork Sliter’s Lumber and Building Supply store.

Greeters at Sliter’s have started handing out complimentary masks at the store’s front door and encouraging patrons to wear them throughout the building. While a few visitors have been reluctant to don a face covering, Sliter reported most have been accommodating after an employee urges them to follow the requirement.

“The majority [of customers] are gracious and appreciative of our safety measures, even if they don’t necessarily agree fundamentally,” Sliter observed. She was grateful that patrons have largely been respectful and employees have been well-trained to handle the potentially tense situation.

The Bigfork Sliter’s store is the locally-owned chain’s busiest location, with about 1,000 customers visiting the shop every day. The store is open 11 hours a day, seven days a week, with 30 staff members. It’s one of the busiest commerce centers in Bigfork — and, as a result, one of the places where a virus outbreak could have the biggest ripple effect.

“That’s why we’re taking this so seriously,” Sliter explained. “It’s really our commitment to our staff and our community.”

As essential workers, the Sliter’s team has been hard at work throughout the pandemic, even while many other local businesses were closed for a two-month period. Working through that experience gave Sliter and the rest of the store’s management an appreciation for the necessity of measures like masking up — and the risks of closing down.

“In the end, I want to be open and serve the community and provide incomes for my team without substantial disruption,” Sliter said. ■

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at (406)-758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.