JACKSON, Wyo. — The Teton County Health Department announced today that Teton County has moved up into the Orange (Moderate) Risk Level for COVID-19. The increase from the Yellow (Low) Risk Level is primarily due to an increase in local COVID-19 cases.
Between March 4 and March 10, Teton County detected 44 new cases, which is a 52% increase from the previous 7-day period, representing an abrupt reversal of the downward trend seen in Teton County in recent weeks.
Teton County says that the move back up into the Orange (Moderate) Risk Level is a good reminder that, despite recent progress with vaccinations and case numbers, COVID-19 remains prevalent in our community.
Teton County Health Department Epidemiologist, Shane Yu, MPH, said, “We can’t say definitively what has caused the trend in case numbers to change direction, but several factors could be contributing. As case numbers began to decrease and vaccine distribution got going, people may have felt more comfortable easing up on some COVID precautions. It is also possible that the more transmissible variants are starting to play a larger role in local spread. We’re all hopeful this pandemic can be over soon, but for now we are asking everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to continue to practice the familiar COVID-19 precautions. We have to remember that the variants are spreading across the nation and many people have yet to be fully vaccinated. Please practice proper masking and distancing measures when out in public and exercise particular caution around those who are not fully vaccinated and those who are at higher risk for complications from COVID-19.”
The press release from The Teton County Health Department reminded community members about the recommendations that come with the Orange (Moderate) Risk Level including avoiding large gatherings, avoiding crowded spaces, limiting contact with high-risk individuals, and more.
“Please continue to wear masks, maintain at least six feet of distance, stay home when sick, and wash your hands frequently,” Teton County said. Read about the Orange (Moderate) Risk Level and the accompanying recommended preventative measures here.
