Flathead businesses sue state over COVID claims

Five Flathead County businesses accused of flouting Gov. Steve Bullock’s masking and social-distancing mandates have filed counterclaims against the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, alleging the agency selectively targeted them and hurt them financially.

The businesses are seeking damages, attorney fees and a judgment saying DPHHS has “no authority” to enforce the governor’s July 15 directive. As daily cases of COVID-19 continue to reach record highs, Bullock this week announced a new directive scheduled to take effect Friday, expanding a statewide mask requirement and tightening restrictions on businesses. That includes requiring businesses to operate at no more than 50% capacity.

by CHAD SOKOL