JACKSON, Wyo. — As the spread of the coronavirus known as COVID-19 continues around the world and here in the U.S., local health officials are taking measures to prepare for its imminent arrival.
With reports of cases now in bordering states Colorado, Utah, and Nebraska, it’s just a matter of time before Wyoming sees its first confirmed appearance of the disease.
Here at home coordinated preparation efforts are taking place in multiple organizations throughout the county.
The Teton County Health Department activated a hotline (307-732-8628) for members of the public to access the latest information on COVID-19. The automated system is operational 24-hours a day and will provide callers with local updates, steps to prevent the spread of the disease, and what to do if individuals have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms.
St. John’s Health has also setup a dedicated website packed with trustworthy and useful information. Jodie Pond, Director of Teton County Health Department, says it is very important at a time like this for the public not to fall victim to panic or scams regarding the virus, and to seek out trusted sources.
“Everyone can do their part to help plan, prepare, and respond to this emerging public health threat. Making sure you have the most accurate information is the first step you can take,” said Jodie Pond, Director of Teton County Health Department.
Pond is reminding residents to obtain information on COVID-19 from trusted and reliable sources such as the county and state health departments, St. John’s Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in order to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumors.
