Gianforte lifts restrictions on hours, capacity of some companies 406 Policy

The state has improved its vaccine distribution, Gianforte said Wednesday. About 42,000 Montanes have received their first doses and 11 counties are ready to move on to Phase 1B of the vaccine rollout. The state also aims to deliver first doses to 97% of Montana’s long-term care facilities by the end of the month.

But those encouraging numbers do not reflect an improved economy, Gianforte said.

“Nor does it take into account the serious economic impact of the pandemic that has left Montanans out of work and without paychecks without their own fault,”

; Gianforte said. “And it does not take into account the decision that too many small business owners have had to make to close their businesses for good and leave what they have worked so hard to build. Improving our response to the pandemic has been my top priority. “

The panel heard from business owners, nonprofits and others that the previous directives were “too complex, confusing and difficult to implement,” Gianforte said.

The new directive, Gianforte said, was clear and appropriate on three sides.

“We have carefully reviewed the pages and pages of the directives. Before taking any action, we consulted public health experts, healthcare providers and business leaders and emergency workers. We took the time to rectify this,” Gianforte said.