Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon says despite rising COVID-19 numbers and hospitalizations, he is not going to issue any mandates or require any closures. During a news conference, the governor said they have the tools to deal with the increased cases.
"I do believe that statewide orders are not necessary. What will help ease the situation is people choosing to get vaccinated, acting responsibly and diligently making sure of hygiene," said Gordon.
Gordon also does not plan any other types of interventions to force people to get vaccinated.
"I think vaccines are an intensely personal choice and in this particular case I don't anticipate any interventions," he added.
The governor said it's up to local governments and businesses to determine if they'd like to have their own mandates. He is hopeful that vaccination rates will pick up as people get more information about their safety.
On Monday, the Wyoming Department of Health reported 672 new probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 since last Friday.
There are more than 2,000 active cases and 112 hospitalizations. This is a 1,500-case increase in cases from a month ago, as well as an increase in hospitalization numbers not seen since January. Every county, except for Niobrara county, saw an increase in COVID-19 cases over the weekend.
Less than 36 percent of Wyoming's population has been fully vaccinated, one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country.
