JACKSON, Wyo. — Jackson public figures are speaking out and urging locals and visitors alike to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jackson Mayor Pete Muldoon delivered his message to prospective visitors via a video posted by the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce:
“I’m here today to ask any would-be visitors to Jackson Hole to stay home and shelter in place,” Muldoon said. “We’re looking forward to seeing you soon, but right now we’re asking you to hang your hat at home and help us to give our small mountain town a chance to get through the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Athlete, photographer, and renowned filmmaker Jimmy Chin also delivered a message to his community on behalf of the Teton County Health Department.
“I really encourage people to stay at home as much as possible and stay quarantined,” Chin said in a video shared to Facebook.
Chin said his family has been “almost completely quarantined” for nearly two weeks, and plans to stay quarantined “for as long as it takes.”
Chin, a climber, skier, and mountaineer known for his adventure photography, said he understands the need to go outside. If you must, Chin urged recreationists to maintain physical distancing during outdoor pursuits and to make safe, conservative decisions to avoid straining Jackson’s healthcare system and first responders even further.
“We’re all in this together, and for it to work, we have to come together as a community,” Chin said.
