JACKSON, Wyo. — Governor Mark Gordon signed an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency in Wyoming today in response to the nationwide coronavirus pandemic. The proactive measure allows the Governor to more quickly activate the Wyoming National Guard in the event it is necessary and also makes state businesses eligible to apply for federal funding from the Small Business Association.
“Although we have only one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Wyoming, I have taken this action to ensure we are prepared in the event additional steps need to be taken,” Governor Gordon said. “We continue to be most concerned about our state’s elderly and vulnerable populations and want to ensure we are taking all necessary steps to address what we may face going forward.”
Earlier today, President Trump made a federal emergency declaration, freeing up federal funding to fight the pandemic.
Governor Gordon’s Executive Order ensures the State Health Officer has the authority to address large-scale health challenges the state may face in the future. In addition, with the declaration some Wyoming small businesses will be eligible for emergency loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic.
Governor Mark Gordon will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. today at the Governor’s office in the State Capitol Building. The Governor will follow-up on today’s coronavirus pandemic Emergency Declaration and discuss the 2020 Legislative session that concluded last night.
Closer to home, the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole has activated the Community Emergency Response Fund to support local nonprofits helping those directly impacted by COVID-19 in addressing their ongoing needs. As a preparedness measure, the Foundation has committed an initial $150,000 to this fund, which has been matched by generous donors.
In anticipation the community need may ultimately be significantly greater, the Foundation will rapidly deploy grants when needed to enable nonprofits to focus on providing vital, frontline services associated with preparing for and addressing the coronavirus in Teton County.
“The preemptive steps that are being taken ahead of the onset of COVID-19 in Teton County demonstrate our community’s generous spirit and strong partnerships,” stated Laurie Andrews, President of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. “Jackson is a resilient community, and we will withstand this situation together.”
In addition to nonprofit grant funding, a portion of the first phase of relief funds will be allocated to local individuals and families seeking financial assistance through One22’s COVID-19 Financial Relief Awards, which provide funds to help local residents dealing with unforeseen hardship and loss of income such as those incurred with the precautionary cancellation of events or voluntary self-isolation.
