WYOMING — Teton County Health Officer, Dr. Travis Ridell along with health officers from every county in Wyoming and the Wyoming Medical Society, sent a letter to Governor Mark Gordon on Oct. 31, urging him to consider a state-wide mask ordinance.
Governor Gordon held a press conference this morning, Nov. 13, outlining the issues Wyoming is facing due to the surge in COVID-19 but did not disclose a specific plan to implement a mask order.
Part of the letter from the heath officers reads, “We understand that there is a mechanism for each county to individually mandate a mask ordinance. However, this would take considerably more time and would likely be less consistently achieved. We feel that a statewide mandate sends a more powerful and effective message in a more timely manner. With the recent dramatic increase in cases and hospitalizations, expedited implementation is paramount. In addition, if we can slow the spread of COVID-19 we can hopefully also prevent another lockdown and speed our economic recovery.”
The letter also cited, the White House Task Force reports from October and CDC guidelines from April, recommending the use and continued use of face masks. Gordon spoke in support of masks during the press conference but did not order a state-wide mask ordinance.
Since the letter was sent on Oct, 31 the amount of COVID-19 cases in the state have increased dramatically. Governor Gordon said in the press conference today, “Were fifth in the nation for new infections and some places we are considered third right behind North Dakota and South Dakota.”
Reporter Morgan Hughes from the Casper Star-Tribune asked specifically about a state-wide mask order and what it would take the Governor to implement an order. Governor Gordon did not provide specifics but outlined all the ways transmission can be mitigated. He said, “From the start, we said there was the opportunity for variances at a local level. I feel very strongly that they have my support because they know what the conditions are on the ground. Adding “I think all things are on the table, we want to make sure we address this issue before we completely lose all ability to respond to this health crisis. So yes, we are thinking of every aspect of what we can do.”
Currently, five counties in Wyoming have a mask order.
