April 14, 2020 |
The Wyoming Department of Health confirmed the first coronavirus-related death in Wyoming on Monday. The elderly Johnson County man had been identified through lab testing as being infected prior to his death, according to officials.
On Thursday, April 9, the Buffalo Bulletin reported that a patient who had tested positive for the virus had been admitted to the hospital that day. The WDOH noted in yesterday’s statement that the deceased had pre-existing health conditions, putting him at higher risk of developing complications.
While it is the first virus-related death in Wyoming, it was not the first to be investigated. State Public Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist said last week that autopsies had been performed in other suspected cases.
Yesterday, Dr. Harrist called the death a “sad development” and extended her sympathies to the family. Governor Mark Gordon, who is from Johnson County, also offered his condolences.
In a statement, the governor said the death is grim reminder of the importance of following public health orders and guidelines on social distancing. The state reports 275 confirmed laboratory tests of the virus in Wyoming.
