Today Missoula County rescinded its mask mandate. On February 12, our newly-elected Governor Gianforte rescinded the statewide mask mandate initiated by his predecessor. Missoula County immediately overrode the governor’s executive order to retain the local ordinance for required face coverings indoors and at certain outdoor activities. Since February 12, State Congress introduced House Bill 257, which annuls local directives that override the governor’s ruling. Governor Gianforte signed the bill into law on May 7. I’m sure there is more information involved with this timeline, but that’s a simplified overview.

According to a KPAX article today, Missoula County “met its intermediate vaccination goal of 60% of eligible residents having received at least one dose…” and “has also not trended above 25 new cases daily per 100,000 people on a rolling 7-day average….” A press release by the County Health Board stated “that Gov. Greg Gianforte’s signing of House Bill 257 occurred simultaneous to Missoula County meeting its goals and rescinding the mask rule as planned by the Health Board.”

All politics aside, I enjoyed walking into a grocery store maskless this evening. It smelled like freedom. The flowers by the entrance, the almost-day-old bread in the bakery section, the spices lining the baking aisle, and the dog food just past the checkout lane… it all smelled like a distant memory. I am happy to see the case numbers decrease in our county. I’m also happy to greet fellow Americans with a smile as I pass them in the grocery store.