Natrona Health Officer Urges Vaccinations; Says Masking Is Reason For Covid Improvement

There is some good news concerning the ongoing coronavirus in pandemic, according to Natrona County's health officer.

EF
Ellen Fike

January 21, 20212 min read

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There is some good news concerning the ongoing coronavirus in pandemic, according to Natrona County’s health officer.

Dr. Mark Dowell, in his most recent video message posted to social media, expressed some excitement about developments in coronavirus treatment and prevention.

“The message today is things are looking brighter. The more all of us do right now to prevent the spread of the virus to follow the social distancing and the masking and get the vaccine, the better the outlook for the summer and fall,” he said. “Things are looking up.”

Dowell used his latest address to Natrona County residents to discuss the coronavirus variant that’s been found in Wyoming, county hospitalizations and the coronavirus vaccine.

“We’re maintaining low levels in the hospital, at around 11 to 15 patients at any one time,” Dowell said. “Our ICU has few, if no, patients with COVID right now, which has incredibly improved due to the community masking up and doing their job. For that, I applaud you completely.”

He noted that the coronavirus variant found in Teton County isn’t more aggressive, just more contagious than the original variant.

He added that as long as people continue to wash their hands, wear masks and properly social distance, there should be no major cause for concern.

Next, Dowell stated that people who were elderly should get the vaccine once it’s available in their area

While Natrona County ran out of the vaccine late last week, Dowell said this was a good situation, as it meant elderly residents “stepped up to the plate” to get their first dosages.

“What I really want to do is open this up to those of you that are 60 to 70, especially if you’ve got medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, things like that. You’re the people that really need the vaccine.”

While Dowell knew some people still were hesitant to get the vaccine, he noted that many of his friends and patients have received it, experiencing few to no side effects.

“Do the right thing,” he said.

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Ellen Fike

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