Governor Gordon issues third executive order for COVID-19

Less than a week since issuing his first executive order in conjunction with State Health Officer Alexia Harrist, Governor Mark Gordon has issued his third one this evening, March 24. The order takes effect on March 25 and will have yet another substantial effect on businesses within Wyoming as it closes nail salons, hair salons, barbershops and tattoo parlors.

This order follows and and supplements previous orders issues by Gordon. The first, issued on March 19, closed restaurants, bars, theaters, gyms and schools until April 3. Those businesses that served food or alcohol were provided the option, through the order, to offer curbside, carry-out, window service or delivery service to their customers in lieu of a dine-in service. The second order, issued on March 20, forbade gatherings of 10 or more people in a public setting unless it was a place such as a grocery or retail store in which the social distancing policy of six feet could be observed.

Like the first order, the third order issued by Gordon does not limit employees, contractors or vendors of those businesses affected from accessing the building. In the order, which can be read at governor.wyo.gov, it states that aforementioned can occupy so long as the business or service is not offered to the public and the occupants abide by recommendations from the Wyoming Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.

The third order temporary closes nail salons, hair salons, barbershops, massage parlors, tattoo shops, body art shops, piercing shops, cosmetology services, electrology services and esthetic services.

"While I understand the impact of these measures and sympathize with the most affected, especially small business owners, I support Dr. Harrists' recommendation because this is about saving lives," Gordon wrote on social media as he announced the order. "We have tried to navigate a thoughtful course, but as COVID-19 spreads through our communities, we must take this action now."