Mask and Face Coverings

Are masks mandated in all Montana counties?

Yes. As of November 20, masks are required in all Montana counties regardless of case count. 

Who is not required to wear a mask?

• Children under the age of five. All children between the ages of two and four, however, are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in accordance with the provisions of this Directive. Children under the age of two should not wear a face covering;
• All children between the ages of two and four, however, are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in accordance with the provisions of this Directive.
• Children under the age of two should not wear a face covering;
• persons consuming food or drinks in an establishment that offers food or drinks for sale;
• persons engaged in an activity that makes wearing a face covering impractical or unsafe, such as strenuous physical exercise or swimming; o persons seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired
• persons giving a speech or engaging in an artistic, cultural, musical, or theatrical performance for an audience, provided the audience is separated by at least six feet of distance;
• persons temporarily removing their face covering for identification purposes;
• persons required to remove face coverings for the purpose of receiving medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment; or
• persons who have a medical condition precluding the safe wearing of a face covering.

What if I have a medical condition that prevents me from wearing a face covering?

We advise that if you are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition, you discuss further options with your primary care provider. Other options such as face shields may be an acceptable alternative, although they do not provide equivalent protection to face coverings. While face coverings are particularly important in settings where people are close to each other or where social distancing is difficult to maintain, maintaining social distancing and practicing good hygiene habits (such as hand-washing) are also an important part of stopping the spread of COVID-19. We also suggest you request accommodations if needed, including curb-side pick-up, attending events remotely, etc.

If I have already recovered from COVID-19, am I exempt from the face covering mandate?

No, you are not exempt to the face coverings mandate.The CDC recommends that all people, whether or not they have had COVID-19, wear masks.

What requirements does a cloth mask need to meet?

The CDC advises that cloth masks:

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• completely cover the nose and mouth
• is secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

What is the science behind the effectiveness of wearing a cloth mask?

The CDC states that cloth masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. This is called source control. This recommendation is based on what we know about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), so the use of masks is particularly important in settings where people are close to each other or where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

Protection offered by face masks depends on how consistently the mask is worn, if it is worn properly (to include covering the nose), and how the mask is constructed can cause variation on how well the disease is able to spread. It is very important to keep in mind that face masks are a supplement, and not a substitute, to other protective measures. If people wear masks properly, but stop cleaning or sanitizing their hands, or stop maintaining a 6 foot distance from others, the total amount of protection may be diminished. No protective measure is guaranteed to provide 100% protection; these behaviors work in conjunction with one another to further reduce the likelihood of transmission. We expect that there will still be new cases, however we want to reduce the number of new cases say that they do not overwhelm our ability to provide necessary medical attention.

Can a face shield be worn instead of a mask?

A face shield may be worn in public spaces when a mask is not feasible. Face shields do not provide equivalent protection to face masks. People who interact with a person who is hearing impaired may not be able to wear a mask and thus a face shield would be appropriate. Here are some considerations for individuals who must wear a face shield instead of a mask:

Although evidence on face shields is limited, the available data suggest that the following face shields may provide better source control than others:

Face shields that wrap around the sides of the wearer’s face and extend below the chin.

Hooded face shields.

Face shield wearers should wash their hands before and after removing the face shield and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth when removing it.

Disposable face shields should only be worn for a single use and disposed of according to manufacturer instructions.

Reusable face shields should be cleaned and disinfected after each use according to manufacturer instructions or by following CDC face shield cleaning instructions .

Plastic face shields for newborns and infants are NOT recommended.

We encourage individuals who cannot wear a mask due to an immunocompromising condition continue to self-isolate to avoid exposure

What indoor locations are face masks required to be worn?

“Indoor space open to the public” means any indoor space, whether publicly or privately owned, where the public has access by right or invitation, express or implied, whether by payment of money or not. In addition, “indoor spaces open to the public” include, but are not limited to lobbies, common areas, elevators, bathrooms, meeting rooms, or other spaces where people gather. The term includes all modes of public or commercial transportation. The term does not include private residences not open to the public.

Employees, volunteers, and contractors in public-facing work spaces are required to wear face coverings.

Who is responsible for making sure people wear masks in indoor public places?

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

Is signage required to tell the public entering indoor public places that masking is required?

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.”

Can plexi-glass barriers be used instead of wearing a mask?

No.Partitions that effectively create an enclosed barrier within an indoor space may render masks unnecessary , but should be reviewed and approved by the local health authority prior to implementation.

How does the mask mandate affect religious services?

During services, speakers may remove their masks while speaking to the attendees. All attendees should wear a mask during the service, including while singing. Servers should wear a mask and recipients should remove the mask to receive communion.

Do children and employees in daycares, summer camps and day camps need to wear masks?

No, because daycares, summer camps and day camps are not open to the public, employees and children are not required to wear masks, however it is strongly recommended wherever possible. Children under 2 should not wear masks at any time.

Parents should wear masks when they drop off/pick-up their children from daycare, summer camp or day camps.

Who is responsible for providing masks for the public to wear?

Businesses are responsible for providing face coverings for their employees and volunteers. A member of the public when entering a business will need to provide their own face covering

What requirements must a mask meet?

“Face covering” means a fabric, paper, or disposable face covering that covers the nose and mouth and which does not have an exhalation valve. The term “face covering” includes face shields.

Where can I buy a mask that was produced in Montana?

A list of Montana produced sewn face masks, 3D Printed Face-masks, Plastic Injection Molded Face-masks and Plastic Face Shields can be found here.

Alternatively, you can also make your own masks.

Can my business be reimbursed for purchasing masks?

Businesses that need to purchase protective gear like masks and hand sanitizer may be eligible for reimbursement through the Montana Business Adaptation Program.

Organizations may be reimbursed up to $10,000 for eligible expenses. Apply at COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV.

Are face coverings required outdoors?

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 that covers their mouth and nose at all times.

What constitutes an organized outdoor activity?

“Organized outdoor activity” means any gathering of 25 or more people for an activity or event organized or sponsored by a business or person, or that takes place on the property of a business or person. This includes, but is not limited to, outdoor theatrical or music performances, fairs, markets, festivals, parades, carnivals, rodeos, sporting or athletic events, beer gardens, weddings and receptions, or parties.

This section applies only where the nature of the organized outdoor activity makes it impracticable for all attendees to maintain at least six feet of physical distance from each other, or any organized outdoor activity where attendees are not observing at least six feet of physical distance from others.

Are masks required at large gatherings that aren’t “organized outdoor activities?"

If participating in an outdoor gathering of more than 25 people, whether or not in the context of an organized outdoor activity, all individuals except those covered by section 4 of this Directive must wear face coverings while in attendance where it is either not possible to maintain 6 feet of physical distance at all times, or whether attendees are not observing social distancing of at least 6 feet of physical distance from others.

What is an outdoor event “sponsor”?

“Sponsor” means any business or person who organizes or sponsors an organized outdoor activity, or who allows the activity to take place on their property.

Are groups of less than 25 people outside required to wear masks?

As of November 20, outdoor gatherings involving fewer than 25 people do not absolutely require face coverings. Face coverings are nonetheless required where social distancing is either not possible (crowded back patio with standing room only, for example), or where it’s not being practiced (outdoor wedding setting where people are bunched together in space).

Due to the weather, an outdoor event I hosted is now indoors. Do I need to change our COVID-19 mitigation strategy?

Yes. If the gathering involves fewer than 25 people, they may not have needed to wear face coverings while outside and engaging in proper social distancing. Once the event is moved indoors, attendees must wear face coverings. 

The face covering directive applies to indoor spaces that are open to the public, regardless of occupancy/group size. The term does not include private residences that are not open to the public, but does apply to both privately and publicly owned spaces that are open to the public by right or invitation. As of November 20, events involving more than 25 people should consult with their local health department to make a plan to promote social distancing. Event cutoff threshold is at the discretion of community leadership based on current circumstances in that community.

What do I do if someone refuses to wear a mask who comes into a public space I am responsible for?

Businesses, other persons responsible for indoor spaces open to the public, and sponsors of organized outdoor activities are entitled to reasonably rely in good faith on the representations of employees, volunteers, contractors, customers, visitors, or members of the public regarding the applicability of the exceptions in section 4 of the Governor’s Directive. Reasonable, good faith reliance on such representations is an affirmative and complete defense to any enforcement proceedings brought pursuant to this Directive.

Does the governor have the legal right to mandate masks?

The legislature has delegated to the Governor authority to respond to emergencies. During a declared state of emergency, the Governor may “control ingress and egress to and from an incident or emergency or disaster area, the movement of persons within the area, and the occupancy of premises within the area.” Section 10-3-104(2)(c), MCA.

In responding to the emergency, the Governor “shall use the services and facilities of the existing officers and agencies of the state, and all officers and agencies shall cooperate with and extend their services and facilities to the governor as the governor may request in the carrying out of the purposes of” the emergency response statutes. Section 10-3-305(2).

Does the mask mandate apply on private property?

The jurisdiction of state and local public health agencies extends to both public and private property .  The Directive applies to indoor spaces that are open to the public, and to outdoor gatherings of more than 25 people where social distancing is either not possible or is not being practiced regardless of whether the gathering occurs on public or private property.

Do businesses need to enforce the mask mandate?

Business owners must require masks and must enforce the directive, but the manner of enforcement--whether by denying entry, refusing service, or asking people to leave--is within their discretion. That is, how they choose to enforce is their choice; whether they enforce is not.

Also, business owners are allowed to ask why someone isn’t wearing a mask. They can ask about how to accommodate a disability; if an individual refuses accommodation or it is not possible to accommodate them, business owners may nonetheless ask the customer to leave. Business owners do not need proof that an individual has a disability and we don’t recommend asking for proof. But asking questions and engaging is entirely appropriate. 

How do I report violations of COVID-19 directives?

The public can now notify health officials of violations of COVID-19 directives by using the Consumer Complaint Form used to report food borne illnesses and other public health and safety issues. Concerns submitted through the website will be reviewed by DPHHS and sent to the appropriate local authority for review and investigation. The information received will allow the state to track cases with numerous complaints and follow up on the most egregious ones.  The Consumer Complaint Form is now available at: https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/FCSS/ConsumerComplaintForm

Do my employees need to wear a mask?

Employees that are public facing are required to wear a mask. At the time and the place you are in contact with the public is where you need a mask. Wear a mask for the specific interactions.  

If a partition effectively creates an enclosed barrier within an indoor space between the public and the employee you may render masks unnecessary but this should be reviewed and approved by the local health authority prior to implementation.

Employees that are not public facing while in their office or workspace do not. However, these employees should wear a mask when arriving and exiting the workplace.  See Section 1 of the Directive on masks for the definition of business.

Whom and in what situations do people need to wear masks in restaurants?

Masks are required while entering and exiting the restaurant, using the restroom, or otherwise walking through the inside of the business. However, masks do not need to be worn while consuming food or drink  and seated at the table inside. Patrons using outdoor seating are encouraged to wear masks and must wear a mask if they have to enter the business. Servers should wear masks at all times. Restaurants can adopt more restrictive policies.

Do you have to wear a mask while in restaurant outdoor seating areas? 

Masks are required while entering and exiting the restaurant, using the restroom, or otherwise walking through the inside of the business. However, masks do not need to be worn while seated at the table consuming food or drinks inside the restaurant. Patrons using outdoor seating are encouraged to wear masks and must wear a mask if they have to enter the business. Servers should wear masks at all times. Restaurants can adopt more restrictive policies.

Do cooks on the cook line need to wear masks if a kitchen is public facing?  

Yes. Even cook staff who do not see or interact with the public are strongly encouraged to wear masks if social distancing cannot be achieved. Businesses should consider all the risks and unique circumstances and implement appropriate policies.   

Do kitchen staff (i.e. folks that are behind the scenes not interacting with the public, cooks, dishwashers, etc.) need to wear a mask?  What if they can social distance?

If the kitchen staff are public facing, they need to wear a mask.

Cook staff are urged but not required to wear masks, even if they are not public facing. Mask wearing ensures the health and safety of all citizens. Businesses should consider all risks and unique circumstances and implement appropriate policies. 

Some body art procedures like piercings and tattoos are done on the face does the masking requirement essentially prohibit these procedures?  What about for aestheticians? 

The individual conducting the procedure must wear a mask but if it would be impractical for the individual receiving the procedure to wear a mask, exemption 3 or the Directive applies.

Do servers in drive-thrus and coffee kiosks need to wear masks?  

Yes. Kiosks and drive-thrus fall under the definition "space open to the public" due to the fact that kiosks and drive-thrus serve the public. If you are serving and interacting with the public a mask must be worn. Patrons who remain in their car are not required to wear a mask though it is strongly encouraged when interacting with the kiosk/drive thru employees.  

Do children and employees in day cares need to wear masks?

No, because day cares are not open to the public, employees and children are not required to wear masks, however it is strongly recommended wherever possible. Children under 2 should not wear masks at any time.

Are employees exempt from wearing a mask if they are working in an environment where they are operating machinery where a mask can get stuck or pull a person into a machine? 

Wearing a mask is not required if it is impractical or unsafe to do so. However, alternative such as face shields should be considered.  

As a business owner, what can I do if someone comes into my business and says they cannot wear a mask due to a medical condition?

Businesses may ask how to accommodate an individual’s disabilities. Options may include:

• Having face shields on hand to provide to disabled customers
• Offering curbside pick-up
• Offering services via phone or online

If accommodations cannot be made and individuals are unable to comply with requirements necessary for safe operation, individuals may be asked to leave the business. The ADA governs accommodations of this sort, but does not preclude asking customers about health information. HIPAA and the Fourth and Fifth Amendments are also inapplicable to conversations related to face-coverings in businesses.

Are masks required while transporting clients in car?

Yes.  Businesses, including guides, offering transportation services to their customers shall require and take reasonable measures to ensure that all employees, contractors, volunteers, customers, or other members of the public wear a face covering while in the business’ vehicle. “Indoor space” includes all modes of commercial transportation. 

Montana Hospital Association’s COVID-19 Supply Chain Resources page has more information on where medical providers can find PPE. Specifically, you can find more information here:

Updated July 8: MHAV PPE Resource Guide (MHA)

• List of PPE suppliers (including masks) starts on page 4

AHRMM List of Vetted Non-traditional Suppliers

• AHRMM is the national Association of Healthcare Resource Materials Managers through the American Hospital Association

6/1: Intalere’s Coronavirus Contract Recommendations

• Intalere is MHA’s endorsed group purchasing partner. These are vendors on contract with Intalere that offer PPE

A list of Montana produced sewn face masks, 3D Printed Face-masks, Plastic Injection Molded Face-masks and Plastic Face Shields can be found here.

Alternatively, you can also make your own masks.