People can now file coronavirus complaints against businesses via online form

Gov. Steve Bullock announced Friday that individuals can now file a consumer complaint form against businesses that appear to be violating coronavirus guidelines.

The announcement comes on the heels of Bullock saying Thursday that the state would investigate businesses in the Flathead Valley that aren’t complying with masks and other directives.

State health officials are seeking temporary restraining orders against about five businesses in the county known to be "repeat offenders" of public health orders, Bullock said Thursday during a news conference in Billings.

Mask enforcement varies widely locally and in use. Some businesses have stringent requirements, others might have a sign on the door, but staff and customers don’t appear to be wearing them.

The governor’s office on Thursday didn’t say which businesses it would investigate in the valley.

The form is here.

Meanwhile, the Flathead City-County Health Department announced three more COVID-19 related deaths on Friday. That brings the total to 26.

The county currently has about 859 active cases, which is down from last week when there were more than 1,000.

At Columbia Falls Schools, there are currently nine active cases among students and none among staff as of Thursday.

The high school has five, the junior high one and Ruder Elementary three.

All told 77 students and two staff are currently quarantined.