SMH leadership thank community effort for bringing down COVID-19 case numbers

During a press briefing with Sheridan Memorial Hospital Dec. 30, leadership staff thanked the Sheridan County community for their efforts to bring down the number of active COVID-19 cases in the county. 

CEO Mike McCafferty said the effort from the community to follow health orders and Centers for Disease Control Prevention guidelines has appeared to have reduced the number of active cases and relieved stress on the resources and staff of SMH.  

Health orders signed by State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist mandating the use of face-coverings in public areas took effect Wednesday, Dec. 9.

On Nov. 25, the Wyoming Department of Health reported 530 active COVID-19 cases in Sheridan County; that number on Dec. 23 was reduced to 58.

Currently, SMH has four patients admitted with COVID-19 and none of those patients have been critical enough to move into the intensive care unit. 

Although no local studies are being conducted to officially identify the cause of the reductions in active cases in Sheridan County, both McCafferty and SMH Chief Medical Officer John Addlespurger agreed the CDC guidelines and masking order appear to be effective.

Addlespurger went on to commend the Sheridan County school districts for their continued efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within their facilities among the students. 

State Health orders limiting the hours of operation of bars and restaurants and mandating the use of face-coverings will expire Jan. 8, 2021.