Coronavirus In Wyoming: Resources & News
Wyoming Public Media is here to keep you current on the news surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
Updated 1/15/21 3:30 p.m.
The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) reported 208 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 on Friday.
There have been 48,909 cases total, and there are currently 1,885 active cases in Wyoming. According to the latest, self-reported hospital data, 89 people are hospitalized with the coronavirus in the state. The state's death toll remains at 522 people.
So far, WDH has reported administering about 52 percent of the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines. While about 22 percent of the second dose vaccine has been administered.
Here are the numbers of lab-confirmed total cases broken down by county: Laramie 6,555; Natrona 5,350; Campbell 4,024; Fremont 3,657; Albany 3,307; Sweetwater 3,136; Teton 2,530; Park 2,250; Sheridan 2,227; Uinta 1,499; Carbon 1,010, Goshen 976; Lincoln 905; Big Horn 764; Washakie 663; Sublette 527; Converse 521; Weston 517; Crook 368; Johnson 357; Platte 338; Hot Springs 229; Niobrara 63.
Since March, 46,502 people have recovered from the virus.
(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 two 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.
Governor Mark Gordon's Press Briefings
Press Conference on COVID-19, November 16th, 2020
State Orders -- Updated January 2, 2021
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 order is effective on December 9 through January 8, 2021.
Statewide Gatherings
On January 2, Governor Mark Gordon announced return to normal operating hours for bars and restaurants effective January 9. This also allows gyms to increase the number of participants in group fitness classes from 10 to 25.
On December 7, the Wyoming State Health Officer has issued the following public health orders:
The orders, which remain in effect through January 25, 2021, allow outdoor gatherings of no more than 50% of venue capacity, with a maximum of 250 people as long as social distancing and increased sanitization measures are in place. Indoor gatherings in a confined space are limited to 10 persons.
The public health orders also restrict other public gathering areas, including salons, 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.
