Gov. Gordon on Friday announced his existing orders which have closed schools, some businesses and mandated social distancing guidelines will stay in place through the end of the month as scheduled.
Gordon, in a press release, said his orders are consistent with the first phase of President Trump’s “Guidelines for Opening Up America Again” and promised to look at ways to “ease these orders and rekindle our economy.”
“You have done what was asked and have helped to flatten the curve,” the governor said — a remark that stood in contrast to Natrona County Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Dowell who said the opposite on Wednesday.
“We haven’t haven’t flattened any curve at all,” he said. “We don’t know what the curve will be. We have to assume it will get worse. We don’t want to be lackadaisical and have people die.”
Gordon did say, however, that “continued adherence to the guidelines is crucial to the state’s recovery efforts.”
“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.”
The governor said if Wyoming citizens continue to practice social distancing and other recommended behaviors, the state will open up sooner rather than later.
“If we see the improvements we need to see, we will continue our transition to a stabilized economy. We need our economy back, but we must avoid a resurgence of this virus,” he said.
“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 April 17, Wyoming has confirmed 305 cases of COVID-19 and 107 probable cases. There have been two deaths. Additional information on the state’s transition is slated to be unveiled in the next week.
