Teton County has been granted a variance to keep its mask mandate in place until at least mid-April, the county’s health department announced Friday.
Teton County health officer Dr. Travis Riddell requested a local health order to allow the county to keep its mask requirement in place until April 16, unless rescinded beforehand. The order was approved Friday.
Teton County’s mask order requires people 12 and older to wear a face covering when gathering in a public place or business where they are unable to socially distance.
The statewide mask mandate will be removed on Tuesday nearly three months after its implementation.
Gov. Mark Gordon said earlier this week that his decision to lift the public health orders in place for months reflected the state’s continually improving health metrics and was consistent with his approach of balancing public health with protecting livelihoods.
Wyoming has seen a declining number of active coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks, and has seen significant success in delivering the COVID-19 vaccine, with the state’s most vulnerable residents now having access to the shot, he said.
“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.”
As of Friday, Teton County had 86 active cases, the second-highest in the state behind Laramie County.
