JACKSON, Wyo. — For those that said the pandemic situation would get worse before it gets better: They may be right about that.

The biggest rush of active COVID cases in Teton County topped a record 89 yesterday as local health officials say they fear a strain on the system is imminent.

“I wish I could deliver some uplifting news today, but unfortunately I must report that this has been one of the most difficult weeks of the pandemic in Teton County to date,” said St. John’s Health CEO Paul Beaupré. “The only way out of this dire situation is for the entire community to make a commitment today to reverse the dangerous trend that threatens to bring our first responder and community healthcare system to its knees.”

The unprecedented levels of COVID in Teton County and surrounding areas include six COVID patients in the hospital (the most since the pandemic hit Wyoming), up from the previous daily count of 0-3.

COVID has also found its way into the Living Center where three residents and four hospital staff have tested positive for COVID. Another 20 staff members are being quarantined and are unable to work due to their primary exposure to a COVID-positive individual.

Beaupré says the hotline is getting daily call volumes not experienced since the onset of the virus arrived in the valley.

“This trajectory is simply not sustainable,” Beaupré warned. “With this much COVID in the community, it becomes inevitable that some healthcare workers will be infected. When more essential workers become infected, it is inevitable that we will have additional healthcare workers who get exposed. Even if these exposed individuals are lucky and don’t become ill, they won’t be able to take care of our patients because they will be under quarantine.”

The hospital reports it is “all hands on deck,” currently, in order to maintain adequate staffing.

“What will happen if today’s COVID surge doubles next week?” Beaupré worried.

Beaupré implored the community to:

  • Say no to the invitation to socialize in a risky setting or in groups.
  • Consider how your children, and especially your teens, can alter their activities and lower the risk they will become infected and spread the disease.
  • Do not eat or drink around others (outside of household members) who are unmasked.
  • Ask yourself whether you are truly maintaining a minimum of six feet distance from others.
  • Get your flu vaccine for your own health and to minimize the chance you will need to seek medical care in the health system this winter.