Some outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people will be permitted in Wyoming this summer. Gov. Mark Gordon announced the revision to a state public health order during a press briefing on Wednesday.
"This will allow outdoor events including weddings, graduations, sporting events, concerts, farmers markets, and smaller rodeos to take place during the summer season," Gordon said. "This is good for our communities and our economy."
The revised public health order requires hosts and event organizers to screen staff for COVID-19 symptoms and enforce social distancing guidelines among attendees.
"Social distancing and sanitation measures will be required," Gordon said. "Once again we are relying on Wyoming citizens to exercise good judgment and personal responsibility in what they do as we expand these orders."
Gordon's announcement came as six of Wyoming's largest summer events were officially cancelled. Representatives from Cheyenne Frontier Days, Laramie Jubilee Days, Casper's Central Wyoming Fair, Cody Stampede, Sheridan WYO Rodeo, and Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous joined Gordon on Wednesday to officially postpone those events until 2021.
"This was a difficult conversation among all of us up here, taking into account the health of all concerned, business viability, and just the ability to put a rodeo on in these challenging times," he said. "These are unbelievably tough decisions."
However, the change clears the way for some smaller rodeos to take place this summer.
The revised order goes into effect on Monday, June 1. Indoor events and gatherings remain limited to 25 attendees or fewer.
Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Savannah Maher, at smaher4@uwyo.edu.
