JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County today announced they are expecting to rescind the public health order requiring face coverings in certain areas next month.
Teton District Health Officer Public Health Order #21-3, requiring individuals in Teton County, WY to wear face coverings in certain places, is expected to be rescinded on May 7, 2021, instead of expiring on May 17, 2021, as initially planned. This is dependent on local COVID-19 case numbers remaining at their current levels or continuing to decrease.
The 26th continuation of Statewide Health Order 1 will remain in place through May 16, 2021, and requires mask usage while on K-12 school or college property.
As of April 27, 2021, Teton County has averaged three new cases per day for the last seven days. There have been 41 new cases in the past two weeks. This is a 49% decrease from the previous two-week period. Additionally, as of April 26, 2021, 52.82% of our population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Teton County District Health Officer, Travis Riddell, MD, MPH, further explains the justification for rescinding the mask order, saying, “We have seen a sustained decline in COVID-19 disease in Teton County in terms of both new cases and hospitalizations. Teton County, WY has also seen a tremendous uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines in our community. Community members’ choice to get vaccinated has made the mask mandate less necessary.”
On May 7, 2021, the date the mask order is expected to be rescinded, any person 16 years of age and older will have had an opportunity to reach full immunity, which is defined as two weeks after the second dose in a 2-dose vaccine (such as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine) or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine).”
“It is important to remember that many people in our community are still susceptible to COVID-19,” Teton County said in a press release. “This includes children younger than 16 years old, people who are immunocompromised, and those who are not yet fully vaccinated. Teton County Health Department urges community members to follow the CDC’s latest guidance on mask usage. It is recommended that even fully vaccinated individuals continue to wear masks when inside public places or in crowded outdoor settings, such as performances, parades, or sports events. Local businesses, organizations, and event planners may develop their own policies for their staff and customers, as long as accommodations can be made for those requiring exemptions.”
To read all current health orders in place please visit http://www.tetoncountywy.gov/2064/Current-Health-Orders-and-Guidance.
