Gov. Mark Gordon and State Health Officer Alexia Harrist have extended the three statewide health orders closing some businesses and restricting gatherings through April 17 to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The current orders have closed public places such as schools, bars, coffee shops and some personal service businesses such as hair salons and tattoo parlors, as well as limited gatherings of 10 people or more in a single room or confined space (including outdoors). Food establishments providing curbside services, delivery or drive-thru can remain open.
“I have extended these orders in consultation with Dr. Harrist,” Gordon said in a news release. “Because we’ve seen cases identified in additional counties and growth in the case numbers, it’s clear how important it is for us to take sustained action. I understand the ongoing strain that these measures are having on businesses, workers and Wyoming communities. But it is imperative that our citizens respond to this public health crisis by staying home whenever possible and practicing proper social distancing when they must go out. This is how we can save lives and protect people’s health.”
Harris emphasized the extension is necessary because social distancing measures are critical to slowing of the spread of the virus and monitoring the impacts of those measures on the outbreak in Wyoming.
“The best tool we have to reduce the potential burden on our healthcare system and save lives is for all of us to limit our contact with other people as much as possible,” Harrist said in a news release. “Of course it is most important for people who are ill to stay home unless they need medical attention.”
The state currently has 70 confirmed cases of the virus.
