Nov. 18
For Immediate Release – In conjunction with Wyoming State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist, Drs. Mark Dowell and Ghazi Ghanem have issued a Health Order for Natrona County requiring adults to wear face coverings while in public settings. This is a scientifically verified Standard of Practice across the United States to slow the progression of the COVID-19 virus. This measure is part of health officials’ efforts to flatten the curve in our community, which will keep our businesses open and reduce the number of COVID-19 patients at Wyoming Medical Center, which exceeded 70 today.
Please note the order has not yet been signed or fully executed, but highlights include:
- A face covering is defined as a covering made of cloth, fabric, or other soft or permeable material, without holes, that covers the nose and mouth and surrounding areas of the lower face.
- Face coverings should be worn inside or waiting in line to enter any retail or commercial business and all government facilities. This applies to employees, customers and visitors.
- Face coverings should be worn while obtaining services or visiting any healthcare operation including hospitals, dentists, pharmacies and veterinarians.
- Face coverings should be worn while using any form of public transportation or in any ride sharing vehicle. This applies to drivers and passengers.
- Minors three years and older are encouraged to wear face coverings but not required. Minors under two should not wear face coverings.
- Face coverings are not required when a person is seated at a restaurant with no more than 8 people at a table, while actively exercising in a gym setting, or when alone inside of a personal office.
Face coverings are not required outdoors or when social distancing of 6’ or more is possible and being practiced. The full order is included in this press release.
While this requirement is a county-wide legal order, slowing the spread will take our entire community. Face coverings, in addition to sanitizing, distancing, staying home when you’re sick and getting tested, are the best weapons we have in the fight against COVID-19. If we work together, we can keep our business and schools open and keep our families safe.