Gov. Lifts Statewide Mask Mandate, Local Directives Remain In Place Gov. Greg Gianforte repealed Montana’s mask mandate Friday. Many Montana health officials say it’s too soon, and some are keeping local masking requirements. "I've said all along, I believe in personal responsibility as opposed to government mandates," Gianforte said at a vaccine clinic in Kalispell on Friday. Gianforte’s directive, which also did away with the state’s reopening plan, came as the CDC this week urged universal mask wearing across the country, and updated its guidelines to ensure masks have a snug fit, or are double-layered. Gianforte has pledged to lift Montana’s mask mandate since January. To do so, he said the state needs to enact legislation that protects businesses from COVID-19 liability and start providing more vaccinations to the state’s elderly and vulnerable.