Wyoming’s healthcare system is becoming increasingly stressed by the rising number of COVID-19 cases and subsequent hospitalizations that are occurring, according to a release from the office of Governor Gordon. As of November 6th, the state had more than 5,500 active cases and 147 reported hospitalized COVID-19 patients. An additional 16 deaths have been announced since October 29th, bringing total COVID-19 deaths in Wyoming to 105.
Wyoming’s statewide COVID-19 Dashboard has been updated to reflect the surge in hospitalizations, with the metrics of Total Hospital Bed Availability and Total ICU Bed Availability shifting from “Stable” to “Concerning”. The COVID-19 Hospital Resources in WY website can be viewed by clicking here.
Teton, Laramie and Albany Counties as well as the Wind River Reservation now require residents and visitors to wear face coverings at retail or commercial businesses, when obtaining health care and when using public transit. Employees of these businesses are also required to wear face coverings when interacting with the public. This week Governor Gordon and members of the State Building Commission adopted a policy to make the face covering requirement apply to state buildings where a local order is in place.
Wyoming’s free, at-home saliva testing has been expanded to include a workplace testing program. Employers will have the option of allowing employees to complete tests through online telehealth visits with Vault Health providers, or by receiving training on how to self-administer the tests without the need for telehealth visits.
The Governor’s COVID-19 Interagency Group met this week to discuss the surge in cases and is calibrating a response. The State is also in the process of developing a strategy to provide additional support to hospitals on top of the $100 million provided via the State Loan and Investment Board.
“Our collective response to these deteriorating conditions is critically important if we expect Wyoming’s government, our businesses, and thus our economy to function,” Governor Gordon said. “Wyoming’s schools, day cares, businesses, and government offices are all potentially facing challenges. We each can do our part to control the virus by taking the actions we know will work. We need to take care of our family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.”