Governor orders closure of public places in Wyoming
Life as we knew it is over, at least for now. Even though on Monday, Governor Mark Gordon said life must go on in spite of the spectacle of panic surrounding the emergence of the novel coronavirus, he changed direction yesterday. The governor announced Thursday he is closing restaurants, bars and public spaces for two weeks. It could last longer.
The decision was based on the recommendation of the Wyoming State Health Officer. In a live social media video billed as a “fireside chat,” Gordon said the shuttering of businesses where “more than 10 people” gather is necessary as the state faces an “unprecedented” situation. Click here to view the video.
Earlier this week, President Trump recommended that healthy Americans avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people, avoid discretionary travel and avoid eating and drinking at bars restaurants and public food courts.
Governor Gordon pushed back against the president’s recommendation at first. During a news conference Monday, the governor said life must go on, and dealing with Covid-19 outbreak, didn’t mean “closing everything.”
That was the governor on Monday when the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wyoming stood at three. By Tuesday, the number had climbed to 10. On Wednesday, the caseload tallied 16. In the governor’s statement yesterday announcing the order, Gordon said 18 cases are now reported in Wyoming. The state department of health’s website had not been updated since Tuesday.
As of early Friday morning, WDOH was still reporting 15 cases, however, later Friday, the WDOH website was updated to 19 cases.The department has not issued news releases with details about the three new cases since Tuesday.
Governor Gordon said last night that the economic impacts from the COVID-19 outbreak combined with the collapse of oil prices this week have conspired to put the country into a recession.
The governor said we are living in unprecedented times and the COVID-19 disease is presenting unique challenges. The governor’s order shutting down public places with more than 10 people went into effect upon its order yesterday, and will remain in place through April 3rd.
CCSD2 reviewing absence policy
Meanwhile, despite schools closed being to all students in Carbon County School District Two, administrators are still reviewing the policy on absences.
The Board of Trustees discussed needed changes at their meeting on Monday. Emma Diercks has the story.
Cleo’s story: Hard lessons from the life and death of a road dog
A dog’s purpose: Friend, protector and for some, a spirit guide. Sometimes a dog’s purpose is to draw together the hearts of people from far-flung places who may have little in common.
Such is Cleo’s story, the heart-wrenching tale of tough but sweet truck dog. She went missing and was presumed dead in that massive pile-up on interstate 80 last month.
It turns out Cleo survived the crash, and then met an even sadder, lonelier and more tragic ending.
And even though she died alone in the Red Desert after surviving for two weeks, she is still bringing people together. Cali O’Hare has the story.
Sports: Wyoming basketball moves forward with proven winner Jeff Linder
The Wyoming basketball team will begin a new era. One that has some familiarity to it. The Jeff Linder chapter begins in the Gem City. Joey Saverine has the story.
