State health orders updated

On February 25, the Office of Governor Mark Gordon announced the removal of one health order and the relaxation of other health orders.

According to a press release from the governor’s office, the decision comes as Wyoming’s metrics around the coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to improve.

Health Order No. 3–which addresses the operations of barber shops, nail and hair salons, tattoo parlors and other personal car services–was eliminated as of March 1.

While that health order has been removed, the businesses that were affected by this order must still follow the statewide mask mandate issued under Health Order No. 4.

Also beginning March 1, attendance limits for both indoor and outdoor gatherings have increased. Indoor gatherings that are able to incorporate social distancing and face coverings are permitted for up to 25 percent of capacity or 1,000 people. Outdoor gatherings, meanwhile, are permitted to allow up to 2,000 people.

Additionally, gathering limits at both sporting events and artistic performances has increased. Previously, participants in both could not congregate in a group of more than 25 people. That limit has now been increased to 50 people.

While these statewide orders have been amended, four Wyoming counties have received variances from some statewide requirements in response to their local conditions.

“The efforts made so far have allowed us to maximize attendance safely at larger events like the state high school wrestling championships … and the state high school basketball tournament that was cancelled last year,” said Gordon. “If we continue on our current trajectory, I expect us to continue to remove orders as we safely return to a new normal.”

This week, schools from the 1A and 2A conferences converge on Casper and the Ford Wyoming Center for the 1A/2A State Basketball Championships. Last year, while the 1A and 2A schools were able to compete, the tournaments for 3A and 4A schools were cancelled entirely.

More than 16 percent of Wyoming’s population had received at least one vaccine dose as of February 25—Encampment’s rescheduled vaccine clinic was held on February 26—which is one of the highest rates in the nation. The press release went on to say that all Wyoming counties were in phase 1b of the phased distribution plan. Phase 1b includes adults 65 years of age and over, frontline essential workers and individuals with medical conditions that put them at higher risk.

The current changes in health orders are in effect from March 1 to March 15.