News
Sheridan County Establishes Corona Virus Incident Command
Sheridan County officials have now established an incident command to provide information to the public as a result of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) and announcement of the state’s first reported case in Sheridan County.
According to a release from the county commissioners, at the request of the the County’s Public Health Officer, the commissioners met with agency representatives from the City of Sheridan, Ranchester, Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Public Health, Sheridan College, Sheriff’s Office, Police Department, VA and stakeholders in Sheridan County Thursday, March 12th.
The meeting was convened in response to concerns and misinformation circulating in the community.
Incident Command is being established to furnish information on a daily basis to the public. This information will be provided to the public twice daily at 10am and 4pm via media releases to the public.
County Commissioners, and other community stakeholders, continue to receive updates from Federal and State agencies concerning the state and national response. All information received will be communicated daily to the public.
The public is encouraged to keep things in perspective and follow guidance from the Center for Disease Control, the Wyoming Health Department, and/or their medical provider, regarding steps in dealing with this virus.
Follow these guidelines:
- Stay home if sick (but if you are concerned it may be more than just a cold, please consult your physician).
- 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% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
The hospital has a Dedicated Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phone Number 307-672-1004.
This line is strictly for those who have the following symptoms and think they may be infected with the virus. The symptoms to watch for are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
We are asking that the public not overwhelm our healthcare professionals asking for tests if they are not at risk.
Local links are listed here:
Sheridan Memorial Hospital: https://www.sheridanhospital.org/
Sheridan VA: https://www.sheridan.va.gov/
Sheridan College: https://www.sheridan.edu/
Sheridan School District 1: https://www.sheridan.k12.wy.us/
Sheridan School District 2: https://scsd2.com/
Sheridan School District 3: https://www.sheridan3.com/
Below, are CDC and state links to information and precautions:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/novel-coronavirus/
Dennis Fox
March 13, 2020 at 4:10 pm
The public needs information. Lack of information can induce a “fear of the unknown” panic response.
Here’s what we need: The age, health condition and recent travels of the patient. Will she allow the release of her name, as a public service to others in the community? She might be willing to announce her name, if someone would just ask. What groups is she a member of? What businesses or restaurants has she recently been in? Any and all information will help the public better assess their need for self-monitoring or chance of contact. Does she work locally? Where? It’s the “not knowing” that alarms people. The more information we have the calmer we will all be. I understand privacy, but keeping us in the dark is a bad idea.