Mask order to end March 16

Wyoming’s pandemic restrictions will be lifted March 16 according to an announcement from Gov. Mark Gordon’s office.

The statewide mask requirement will be removed, as well as allowing bars, restaurants, theaters and gyms to operate normally.

“I thank the people of Wyoming for their commitment to keeping one another safe throughout this pandemic,” Gordon said. “It is through their efforts that we have kept our schools and businesses operating and our economy moving forward. I ask all Wyoming citizens to continue to take personal responsibility for their actions and stay diligent as we look ahead to the warmer months and to the safe resumption of our traditional spring and summer activities.”

The move reflects growing confidence in both the vaccination system enacted by the state, as well as continued downward trends in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. While facial coverings will no longer be required in public buildings and businesses, guidelines regarding face coverings will still be in place for the state’s K-12 schools.

This is being done as a safety measure to ensure classroom instruction and school activities can continue safely.

“Wyoming is one of the few states in the country that kept students learning in the classroom for the entire school year. We made sacrifices, but the earlier orders saved lives. We persevered,” Gordon said. “With this approach we can have graduations, proms and a great end to the school year by keeping schools open. Especially since our children will not have the chance to be vaccinated this spring.”

According to Dr. Jean Stachon, Sweetwater County’s Health Officer, the county health officers can seek variances on these new health orders in they believe COVID-19 infection rates increase as a result, something she said she would do if that happens. But, she’s also aware of how unpopular a stricter variance to the state order would be.

“I don’t think the county has an appetite for that,” she said.

She also believes there is political motivation behind the announcement.

“There’s a lot of pressure on some of these decisions,” she said.

While much of the state has very low instances of COVID-19 transmission, Sweetwater County’s percent positivity rate remains in the double digits, at 11.7%.

So far more, than 7,000 residents have received either the first or both doses of COVID-19 vaccines available in the county.