Health orders to end May 1

Following on an announcement from President Donald Trump about a three-phase plan to re-open the American economy, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon announced the COVID-19 public health orders will remain through April 30.

“You have done what was asked and have helped to flatten the curve,” Gordon said. “We are, and have been open for business.”

Gordon said the state’s health orders are consistent with phase one of President Trump’s Opening Up American Again guidelines. Many of the guidelines follow protocols enacted by the state, but allow for large venues such as gyms, restaurants, churches, sporting venues and theaters to open up so long as they operate under strict social distancing requirements. Gyms specifically must adhere to strict sanitation protocols. Bars must remain closed according to these guidelines, while elective surgeries can resume on an outpatient basis at facilities adhering to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidelines.

“What we do in the coming weeks will determine the way we can ease these orders and rekindle our economy,” Gordon said. “I recognize the tremendous sacrifice we all have had to make, but it has been worth it. We have saved lives.”

Gordon said the transition has to be data-driven and not dictated by a strict opening date, saying if people in Wyoming continue doing the right thing, the state will continue its transition to a stable economy. According to a release from Gordon’s office, his administration is developing a plan for the transition phase that will be revealed soon. The plan will involve close data monitoring of the virus’ spread and its impacts on hospitals.

The plan also involves ensuring testing increases and hospitals and clinics are provided needed equipment.

“As the state develops its path forward, consideration will be given to impacts on vulnerable populations, including older individuals and those living in long-term care facilities,” State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist said.

As of Tuesday morning, 317 confirmed and 112 unconfirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded, with 237 recoveries and six deaths also recorded. An unconfirmed case is counted when a person has contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and is showing symptoms of the disease, but has not been tested for it. Sweetwater County has 10 confirmed cases and six unconfirmed cases, with six recoveries and no deaths reported.

“We have got to get this right,” Gordon said. “We are living in a time where the new reality is that COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future. Until we have a vaccine or a treatment, things are going to be different.”