Sheridan County Monitoring Novel Coronavirus

With the announcement Wednesday of Wyoming’s first reported case of coronavirus in Sheridan County, officials with the City of Sheridan, Sheridan County, Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Public Health, Sheridan College, the Sheriff’s Office, the Police Department, and the Sheridan VA met to establish an Incident Command to respond to concerns and misinformation that is circulating throughout the community. A news release issued Friday through the Board of County Commissioners, encouraged the community to continue to practice prevention measures as outlined by the CDC and the Wyoming Department of Health guidelines.

In accordance with WDH guidelines it is recommended that elderly and vulnerable individuals avoid gatherings of 250 or more people. As of Friday afternoon, President Trump and Governor Gordon have issued respective emergency declarations.  These declarations mobilize additional resources that can be made available to local communities. As those resources become available and more information is provided, the public will be advised. Sheridan County currently has one presumptive positive case of the COVID-19 virus.  The patient and all known close contacts have been identified and contacted by the Wyoming Department of Health and are currently in self-isolation in their homes. 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.

The hospital has a dedicated coronavirus 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, and shortness of breath. Testing for COVID-19 is continuing locally, but available test kits are still limited. Sheridan County officials are asking that the public not overwhelm healthcare professionals by asking for tests if they are not at risk.  For more information please contact Sheridan County Public Health, Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and5:00 pm at 307-672-5169, and follow the voice prompts. You can access the Sheridan County coronavirus update page here: https://www.sheridancounty.com/sheridan-county-covid-19-updates/