JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County is once again at “orange,” or moderate, risk level for COVID-19 as cases climb and community transmission increases, the Teton County Health Department announced today.
Cases have spiked over the last two weeks, largely among Teton County residents. Between July 21 and August 5, 74 of 131 confirmed cases were in Teton County residents. That’s a 31% increase from the previous two weeks. Of those 74 cases, 63.9% are attributable to community spread, the Health Department reported. Nearly four percent of COVID-19 tests in the past two weeks were positive.
“We are now experiencing the impact of the Delta variant, with cases increasing in our county,” Teton County Health Director Jodie Pond said in a press release. “It is difficult to see this happen after we spent weeks in the Green (new normal) risk level in May, June, and early July. However, our community is at risk and there are two important actions you can take right now to interrupt this spread: wear a mask and get vaccinated if you are able.”
State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist called the Delta variant a game changer in Wyoming earlier this week and said the Wyoming Department of Health is “deeply concerned.”
Being fully vaccinated is one of the most effective measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant, the Health Department said. Vaccines are currently available to anyone 12 and over.
Recommendations associated with a moderate risk level for COVID-19 include wearing a mask indoors, testing for COVID-19, and staying home when sick. A full explanation of different risk levels is available on Teton County’s website.
“We ask this of you so the situation does not worse,” Pond said. “We need everyone to take preventative measures to slow the spread so we can keep our community safe.”
