Coronavirus In Wyoming: Resources & News
Wyoming Public Media is here to keep you current on the news surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
Updated 3/08/21 3:00 p.m.
Over the weekend, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) reported an increase of 139 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19. There are 458 active cases and Wyoming has had 54,903 cases of COVID-19 in the state since March 2020. According to the latest self-reported hospital data, 19 people are hospitalized with the coronavirus in the state.
So far, WDH has received 124,220 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and 81,725 of the second dose. WDH has reported administering almost 81 percent of the first dose of vaccines and nearly 73 percent of the second dose.
Here are the numbers of lab-confirmed total cases broken down by county from highest to lowest: Laramie 6,989; Natrona 5,787; Campbell 4,205; Fremont 4,135; Sweetwater 3,707; Albany 3,533; Teton 3,319; Park 2,473; Sheridan 2,409; Uinta 1,754; Carbon 1,358; Lincoln 1,076; Goshen 1,065; Big Horn 884; Washakie 696; Sublette 550; Weston 527; Converse 510; Johnson 420; Platte 393; Crook 386; Hot Springs 267; and Niobrara 67.
Since March 2020, 53,763 people have recovered from the virus. There have been 682 coronavirus related deaths in the state.
(Commercial labs are required to report positive test results to WDH; negative results are not reported consistently.)
Wyoming's Vaccine Plan
Wyoming has chosen to give each county the ability to control it's COVID-19 vaccine roll out. The federal government has allotted a certain amount of vaccine doses to Wyoming. The Wyoming Department of Health has taken that number and rationed it out to each county by population. The department of health has taken the general federal roll out guidelines and amended them to the state as needed. This has resulted with three priority groups.
Each local county health department is in charge of the vaccine roll out for their communities. This means counties are moving at different speeds down the priority groups. To find more information about where your county is at with the vaccine roll out, go to your counties public health department's website.
State Orders -- Updated March 8th, 2021
Governor Mark Gordon announced that both the statewide mask mandate and all restrictions on restaurants, bars, theatres and gyms will end on March 16th. The face covering protocol for K-12 schools will however remain in place.
On February 25th, Governor Mark Gordon announced the easing of several health restrictions and the removal of one, due to improving metrics around the state.
Starting March 1st, Public Health Order #3 for personal care services, such as salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, etc., will be eliminated. Those businesses will however need to continue to comply with the statewide mask protocol.
Changes to Public Health Order#1 include easing restrictions on restaurants and theaters.
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Groups of ten will now be permitted to sit together, up from eight.
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Buffets and self-service will be allowed.
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Staff screening logs and signage requirements will be relaxed.
The order that pertains to gatherings and events, also known as Public Health order #2 will increase attendance limits.
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Gatherings (without required distancing between groups) are limited to 50 individuals. That was 25 previously.
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Indoor events may allow up to 25% of venue capacity with a maximum of 1,000 people (up from 500). Groups of up to ten will now be permitted to sit together, up from eight.
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Outdoor events may allow up to 50% of venue capacity with a maximum of 2,000 people. That's up from 1,000. Groups of up to ten will now be permitted to sit together, up from eight.
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Participants in organized sporting events and artistic performances shall not congregate in groups larger than 50 individuals. That's up from 25.
The Wyoming State Health Officer has issued the following public health orders:
The Wyoming Department of Health is requiring face coverings that cover the nose and mouth and surrounding areas of the lower face in indoor public places. This includes businesses (commercial or retail) that employ or engage workers or volunteers. The face covering needs to be worn when in line to enter any public institution, obtain services at healthcare operations and when waiting for or riding on public transportation. This order does not apply to anyone under twelve years of age.
The public health orders also restrict other public gathering areas, including movie theatres, performance venues, as well as churches, faith-based organizations, and funeral homes. For more details to each of the restrictions, please see links to public health orders above.
The prohibition does not apply to gatherings at private residences, hotels and motels for lodging purposes, government facilities and businesses, grocery stores and retail or business establishments that can provide adequate social distance spacing of 6 feet or more. Healthcare facilities are also exempt, as are long-term care and assisted living facilities that are complying with Wyoming Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control directives.
On June 16, 2020 the Wyoming Department of Health announced it will now allow in-person visits at long-term care facilities, but under specific guidelines. Visits will only take place in a designated outdoor space, and will be limited to two visitors at a time. Also, visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms, and they'll have to wear a face covering, while staff and residents will need to wear a surgical face mask. Additionally, a facility staff member trained in patient safety and infection control measures must remain with the resident at all times during the visit. As facilities decide whether or not to allow visits, WDH is asking them to consider local conditions.
Wyoming Public Media would like to thank and recognize all health care workers, doctors, nurses caregivers, grocery store workers, truck drivers, and delivery workers during the global pandemic.
News & Updates:
- Wyoming Department of Health
- Wyoming COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Updates
- World Health Organization Coronavirus Updates
- NPR Coronavirus Coverage
Resources:
- COVID-19.WYO.GOV
- Wyoming Technology Coronavirus Coalition
- Wyoming Coronavirus Mutual Aid & Resource Page
- Wyoming PBS
- When And How To Wash Your Hands
- CDC U.S. Map
- Johns Hopkins World Map
Do you have specific questions about the virus in Wyoming, you or your family’s health, what this means for your job, your home and your town's economy? Please submit them here and we'll do our best to report the information you need.
- Your questions answered by America Amplified
We also want to hear from you on how your community is responding. Tell us what you're seeing, hearing and experiencing in your neighborhood, grocery store and beyond.
On social media, use the hashtag #COVID19WY.
