Third coronavirus case confirmed in Carbon County
Wyoming is now reporting 41 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in nine counties.
Sweetwater County saw its first case on Tuesday. Three of the infected people are from Carbon County. The latest case was reported last night. Cali O’Hare has the story.
According to the Wyoming department of Health, 758 state residents have been tested for the novel coronavirus that began in China late last year then swept across the world.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon said earlier this week that because testing is being rationed to safeguard lab materials, the real number of cases is likely higher than the reported number.
According to the COVID-19 website run by the state health department, the Wyoming Public Health Laboratory in Cheyenne has conducted 567 of the tests on patients here. Private labs have performed 171 tests. One sample was sent to the CDC for testing.
New regulations issued for salons, barbers, body art studios
The governor issued a third public health order in less than a week yesterday. The latest, effective today, forces the temporary closure of nail and hair salons, barber shops, tattoo, body art and piercing shops.
According to the order, owners, employers and vendors can be in the business as long as the occupancy level is five or less. Additional exceptions to the closure order may be granted if an appeal is made in writing.
Grace period issued for drivers’ licenses renewal
Also yesterday, the governor issued an executive order that provides a grace period for expired driver licenses. The goal of the order is to protect the public and the state workforce by limiting interactions at governmental offices.
WYDOT officials already have implemented social distancing measures by limiting the number of people who can be in a Driver Services Office at one time. The current grace period will be reassessed on April 20th to determine if testing can resume on a full or limited basis.
First responders face protective gear shortage
Earlier this week, Governor Mark Gordon had a special message for first responders in Wyoming as they work the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The necessary gear emergency responders use for self-protection is in high demand and short supply across the country.
In some states, firefighters and medical providers have been sidelined and put in quarantine after exposure to COVID-19 cases. The governor says Wyoming can’t afford to have that happen here.
During that news conference this week, the governor said the state had received a shipment of PPEs, and they would be distributed around the state. Carbon County received some yesterday. Cali O’Hare reports.
Platte Valley Clinic adjusts to crisis
In Saratoga, the Platte Valley Clinic has made adjustments because of the coronavirus crisis.
Access to visitors has been limited, however, the facility remains open for testing and other needs. Staff asks the public to call before coming to the clinic. Emma Diercks has the story.
Platte Valley Clinic: (307) 326-3169
Louisiana woman waves hearing in animal cruelty case
The second of two Louisiana women charged in Rawlins with felony cruelty toward animals has waived her preliminary hearing.
Christina Fant was to appear in court yesterday. The waiver means her next appearance will be at an arraignment scheduled in Carbon County District Court.
Bigfoot 99’s Cali O’Hare continues to follow the case.
Sports: Rockies’ Black continues to blaze trail for 2020 Season
Colorado Rockies Manager Bud Black is among top leaders in figuring out how the season will be played out once the suspension is lifted.
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