MISSOULA — Despite local and state efforts to limit social interaction and slow the spread of COVID-19, you may still be seeing people leaving their homes and disregarding protocol.
If you’ve seen this firsthand, you’re encouraged to file a complaint with the Missoula City-County Health Department.
Environmental Health staff have been incorporated into the COVID-19 Incident Command team in a way that tasks them with enforcing the health office's and government’s orders and directives. Once a complaint is received about a business or an individual not complying with social distancing measures, staff members reach out and explain why it’s necessary to follow protocol.
Officials say their goal when addressing complaints is making sure people and businesses understand why their behavior is a concern. They also say the sooner we can get everyone on the same page, the sooner things will go back to normal.
“We receive numerous complaints every day and we follow up on each one of them. It’s a significant task, but our goal when we receive a complaint is to make sure people have the right information and they understand the reason behind it," Environmental Health Manager Jeanna Miller said.
Violations of state and local orders can be reported by calling the Environmental Health Division at (406) 258-4755 or email envhealth@missoulacounty.us