JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County Health Officer Dr. Travis Riddell today issued county-wide recommendations that all Teton County residents stay at home.
The recommendations are practically identical to the “stay-at-home” ordinance passed by the town of Jackson yesterday, but where an ordinance is legally binding, a recommendation is just that — a recommendation. But a strong one, Riddell said.
“Limiting your movement to essential activities will help our community slow the spread of this virus,” Riddell said in a press release. “These are measures we can take to ensure our healthcare system does not become overwhelmed as more people in Teton County, WY test positive for COVID-19.
In addition to Riddell’s recommendations and the town ordinance, there is currently a county-wide public health order in place that mandates anyone over 65 years old or with high-risk medical conditions stay home except to perform essential activities.
Riddell also recommended that businesses not considered “essential” (according to definitions outlined in the town ordinance) close to limit person-to-person interactions. Businesses and organizations that are not defined as essential in this recommendation can continue to operate remotely and/or maintain Minimum Basic Operations.
Finally, it is also recommended that anyone who travels to Jackson self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving. Similarly, Jackson residents who leave Jackson should self-quarantine for 14 days once they return home, or until any fever or respiratory illness has resolved and symptoms have disappeared for at least three days, whichever is longer.
“The actions we do today will show their impact two weeks from now. If everyone in Teton County, Wyoming follows these recommendations we should see the results in mid-April,” Riddell said.
