Masks are once again required in Teton County businesses, schools, and government buildings through Sept. 4. Photo: Buckrail // Nick Sulzer

JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton Health District Officer Travis Riddell has implemented a health order requiring masks inside all Teton County businesses and government buildings, effective immediately.

The order applies to all visitors and residents of Teton County, regardless of vaccination status.

The order cleared its mandatory 48-hour public comment period at noon today, and after reviewing public comment and consulting with State Health Officer Alexia Harrist, Riddell formally issued the order this afternoon. It expires Saturday, Sept. 4, unless the Board of County Commissioners or Town Council votes to extend it. Town Council will decide whether to extend the order on a town level at its upcoming meeting Monday, Aug. 30.

“Taking into account the public comment submitted and looking at the current high transmission of COVID-19 in Teton County, it is important to issue this health order to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” Riddell said in a press release. “Wearing a face mask is one of the many preventative public health measures, along with staying home when sick and the COVID-19 vaccines, to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 in the community and keep our healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed. We ask the entire community to work together to help stop the  spread of COVID-19 and protect those in our community who are more vulnerable or who are not able to receive  the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The Teton County School District Board of Education also voted last night to require masks in school as long as the county remains at “high” or “moderate” risk for COVID-19 transmission.

The public health order does not mandate mask wearing in any outdoor situations. The Teton District Public Health Order #21-5 requires that:

  1. Persons wear a face mask inside any business or government facility open to the public, healthcare facility,  riding in a taxi, or public transportation.
  2. K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions shall require all students, teachers, school staff, and visitors to  wear face masks.
  3. There are multiple exceptions to the order, including if a person has a medical condition for whom wearing a  face mask would adversely affect their ability to breathe.

To view the entire Teton District Public Health Order #21-5, visit the Teton County Health Department webpage.

Shannon is a Wyoming-raised writer and reporter. She just completed a master's in journalism from Boston University. Jackson shaped her into an outdoorswoman, but a love for language and the human condition compels her to write. She believes there's no story too small to tell nor adventure too small to take.