JACKSON, Wyo. — With WHO officially declaring the coronavirus outbreak a “pandemic,” an emergency meeting has been called for tomorrow morning to discuss what, if any, upcoming public events might be canceled or postponed due to growing concerns over the spread of COVID-19.
The joint meeting of town council and board of county commissioners was called by Mayor Pete Muldoon. Electeds will gather at Town Hall in the council chambers Thursday at 11 a.m.
Representatives from the public health field, including the county director of health Jodie Pond, are expected to attend.
The meeting has been listed on town and county websites as simply, “Coronavirus Update / Special Event Planning.”
“It is our responsibility to come together to protect the lives of those around us by limiting the spread of this disease as much as possible. As individuals, we can wash our hands and check in on our neighbors. We can stay home from work and public places when we feel sick. As a collective, we can make sure that Town and County agencies are as prepared as possible and are making appropriate decisions about large gatherings that are scheduled to occur,” Muldoon stated in an open letter to Jackson residents.
Potential events 90-120 out that could be affected include 37th Jackson Hole Downhill, 44th Annual World Championship Hill Climb, Rendezvous Fest, Annual Town Square Easter Egg Hunt, ElkFest Weekend, 39th Annual Old West Days, and more.
Reaction from the Chamber of Commerce on behalf of local businesses was understandably guarded. Vice President Rick Howe said he’s been talking with business owners in the valley and they are by and large calm, but curious. And in a holding pattern.
Howe added that the pandemic could be a boon to local tourism if travelers put off planned international trips like cruise ships, and choose instead to vacation domestically to places like Jackson Hole. Howe also said he is awaiting a more clear picture of what federal aid is available to small businesses affected by the disease outbreak. Payroll tax cuts and other stimulus plans have been discussed at a federal level.
