While some of this week's amendments to Lewis and Clark County's COVID-19 rules and regulations took effect immediately, other changes will not happen until certain benchmarks are met. Under a decision by the Lewis and Clark City-County Board of Health on Thursday, bars, restaurants and casinos in Lewis and Clark County can stay open until midnight rather than the previous closing time of 10 p.m. effective immediately. The board also took action that will eventually loosen restrictions on the number of people allowed at events without an approved health plan, but those changes have not yet taken effect. Although local health officials still require a COVID-19 safety plan approved by Lewis and Clark Public Health for any events with more than 25 people, Thursday's board action set a clear path to doubling that number.Â