If you think Wyoming’s response to the coronavirus pandemic is too strict compared to the extent of the virus problem here in the Cowboy State, you might have statistics to back that up.
New rankings came out Tuesday comparing the restrictions set by each state as a result of COVID-19 and Wyoming is 18th on the list for fewest restrictions.
With Wyoming ranking last in terms of coronavirus cases confirmed and number of deaths from the virus, some have argued the restrictions have been too punitive.
Others, meanwhile, have argued that Wyoming’s restrictions on some businesses and gatherings have allowed the state to remain in the enviable last-place spot nationally for cases and deaths.
The study prepared by WalletHub compared a number of factors, including whether a state had issued “stay-at-home” orders, required its residents to wear face masks, restricted travel or allowed schools, restaurants or bars to reopen.
Wyoming’s health orders, which closed businesses likely to draw more than 10 people, businesses providing personal services and limited gatherings to fewer than 10 people, received a score of 47.18 out of a possible score of 100. The less restrictive a state’s orders, the higher the score.
The rankings will likely change as conditions change around the state and nation. State officials are daily approving exemptions requested by counties to the statewide health orders.
On Tuesday, two more counties in Wyoming were issued variances that would allow bars and restaurants to open with many conditions in place.
All of the states surrounding Wyoming, except Colorado, were ranked as having fewer restrictions in place than Wyoming.
South Dakota and Utah came in first and second respectively with scores of 89.23 and 73.85. Idaho ranked 5th with a score of 67.69 and Montana placed 7th with a score of 65.64. Colorado, on the other hand, ranked 33rd in the survey.
