April 29, 2020 |
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon announced yesterday in a news conference that he will begin easing public health restrictions that have kept many stores and businesses closed since March 19th.
Starting this Friday, gyms, barber shops, hair salons, tattoo parlors and other personal care businesses can open under social distance guidelines that will remain in place. For instance, the number of customers will be limited to less than ten, and face masks will be required for staff and patrons.
Governor Gordon called the action the first steps toward lifting the six-week lockdown. He also acknowledged that restaurants and bars are not included in the modification of the orders.
The governor added that beginning Friday, customers can enter restaurants to pick up to-go orders, as many as five at a time.
Meanwhile, home daycares will be allowed to reopen or continue operating if they maintain social distancing rules. The governor characterized the adjustments announced yesterday as conservative, and said they are designed to prevent any uptick the spread of the virus in Wyoming.
Click here to view the State of Wyoming’s official COVID-19 website
According to state data available Tuesday evening, 396 positive cases of the virus have been confirmed through lab testing. Another 140 people are thought to be infected, or probable with flu-like symptoms, but have not been tested. The rate of positive test samples has remained constant for several weeks at between four and five percent statewide. The positive test rate is Caron County is between two and three percent. The governor said impacts on hospitals is small.
Wyoming is estimated to have around 2,000 hospital beds. State officials have said that concerns over the potential strain on hospitals was the reason for the public health orders put into effect on March 19th.
Yesterday, Doctor Alexia Harrist said the while there are reasons to be hopeful, the state is not out of danger.
Despite the promising note, the public health order limiting public gatherings to 10 or fewer people has been extended through May 15. Case-by-case exceptions to any of the prohibitions in the public health orders may be granted. To obtain an exception, a business or other organization has to demonstrate in writing to the satisfaction of county and state public health officials that social distancing guidelines are in place and that effective sanitation will be employed. Countywide variances to the restrictions can also be granted.
The governor said a number of issues are still under review, including overnight camping and whether to lift the requirement that out-of-state visitors quarantine for 14 days. Further modifications to the three public health orders are expected to be announced this week.
Related: Watch a replay of Governor Gordon’s press conference
