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Stories, Stats, Impacts: Wyoming Public Media is here to keep you current on the news surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

12 Wyoming Counties Now Have Mask Mandates

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Nine counties have joined three others and the Wind River Reservation in mandating masks in indoor public settings.

Sweetwater, Sheridan, Park, Lincoln, Goshen, Carbon, Sublette and Hot Springs now have a county mask mandate effective Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 4.

Natrona County's mandate was also approved and public health officials are holding a press conference Thursday to discuss the order.

During a meeting with county commissioners, Park County Public Health Officer Dr. Aaron Billin said these requests from individual counties are a reaction to Gov. Mark Gordon's desire for mask mandates to be up to local jurisdictions, despite pressure from numerous local public health officials in the state asking for a statewide one.

The nearly identical orders require people to wear masks or face coverings while inside retail and commercial businesses, local government buildings or while waiting in line.

Other locations where masks are now required include healthcare facilities, like a clinic or a veterinary office, and in public transportation or taxi and car services.

Minors are not required to wear the face coverings but those older than three years old are encouraged to do so.

The order does include exceptions for the mandate, such as people alone in their personal office and while socially distanced and eating indoors at a restaurant.

Have a question about this story? Contact the reporters, Catherine Wheeler and Kamila Kudelska, at cwheel11@uwyo.edu and kkudelsk@uwyo.edu.

Kamila has worked for public radio stations in California, New York, France and Poland. Originally from New York City, she loves exploring new places. Kamila received her master in journalism from Columbia University. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the surrounding areas with her two pups and husband.
Catherine Wheeler comes to Wyoming from Kansas City, Missouri. She has worked at public media stations in Missouri and on the Vox podcast "Today, Explained." Catherine graduated from Fort Lewis College with a BA in English. She recently received her master in journalism from the University of Missouri. Catherine enjoys cooking, looming, reading and the outdoors.
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