Second Statewide Order Issued Forbidding Gatherings

Wyoming State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist released a second statewide order Friday night forbidding gatherings of 10 people or more to protect the public from the spread of COVID-19.

The order defines “gatherings” as “any planned or spontaneous event, public or private, that brings together or will likely bring together 10 people or more in a single room or a single confined space at the same time.”

This information is from the Sheridan County Board of Commission Incident Management Team.

Sheridan County Health Officer Dr. Ian Hunter has recommended that any business close that requires prolonged close contact with people. That includes businesses such as hair and nail salons, tattoo shops and businesses offering therapeutic massage services.

Earlier, the IMT announced that the Sheridan VA Medical Center has changed access to the campus on Fort Road. According to the VA, veterans with appointments should limit the amount of additional people with them, unless they need assistance. In addition, no one under the age of 18 will be allowed on the VA campus except those who live there, and no visitors will be allowed except on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans who have an appointment or want one, but are having childcare issues due to the school closures, are encouraged to contact their patient care team to discuss their healthcare needs.

A press conference was held earlier Friday with local law enforcement and the county attorney regarding the state’s order to close public places. The Sheridan County Incident Management Team encourages businesses and the community to view the full order at http://health.wyo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Statewide-Order-3.19.2020.pdf.

In conjunction with Sheridan County Public Health, Sheridan Memorial Hospital and local pediatric clinics, tests are being administered in a number of locations around town, depending on how individuals are screened. The provider who orders your test will direct you to the appropriate testing location at the time of screening.

A separate testing location has been established for patients 12 and under. Parents can call (307) 675-5555 to visit with a pediatric specialist and determine whether testing is needed.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital has a dedicated coronavirus phone number, which is strictly for those who are experiencing the symptoms of coronavirus – fever, cough and shortness of breath. The number is (307) 672-1004.

A statewide closure order was issued earlier this week, closing public places for a two-week period extending through April 3 to help slow the community spread of the COVID-19 virus. The closure order includes schools, theaters, bars, nightclubs, coffee shops, employee cafeterias, self-serve buffets, salad bars, unpackaged self-serve food services, gyms, conference rooms and museums.

Restaurants will be closed to dine-in food service but may remain open for curbside take-out or drive-through food service. Under the order, childcare centers will be closed except for those serving essential personnel.

The order does not apply to places that offer food and beverage not for on-premise consumption, including grocery stores, markets, retail stores that offer food, convenience stores, pharmacies, drug stores and food pantries. The full order can be viewed at https://health.wyo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Statewide-Order-3.19.2020.pdf.

The order issued Friday night by Dr. Harrist can be viewed at https://health.wyo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/March-20-gatherings-order.pdf.

You can access the Sheridan County coronavirus update page at htpps://www.sheridancounty.com/sheridan-county-covid-19-updates/.

The public is encouraged to follow these guidelines outlined by the CDC and WDH:

Avoid close contact, within 6 feet, with those who are sick or may have been exposed.

Stay home if you are sick, but if you are concerned you may have more than just a cold, consult your physician.

Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.