JACKSON, Wyo. — The Town of Jackson is preparing an ordinance that requires face coverings within town limits. The action was made after calling an Emergency Town Council Meeting earlier this afternoon.

“The state is struggling with this just like we are and has been supportive in increasing our local infrastructure to manage infections with testing materials and contact tracing,” Councilman Jorgensen said.

Previously this week, Dr. Travis Riddell, Teton County Health Officer, submitted a health order that would require masks to be worn in all indoor public areas. The health order requires approval from State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist before it can go into effect. According to town officials, the state has yet to respond. Harrist said in a press conference yesterday that she and her team will make a decision soon.

But not soon enough. The town council voted to draft an ordinance reflecting the health order and resolution requiring the wearing of masks in public spaces. There will be another meeting tomorrow at 3 p.m. to review and consider adopting the ordinance draft unless a County Health Order is signed prior.

With the Fourth of July coming up, other well-visited mountain towns have been feeling the same pressure as Jackson to make masks mandatory. Cases in Teton County have been on the rise once an influx of visitors started arriving.

Earlier today the town of Driggs, Idaho on the other side of Teton Pass passed an emergency mask order, requiring them in most public places that will go into effect at midnight.