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Covering the Tetons since 1965

Health Orders Remain in Effect

by

Covid

Health Orders Remain in Effect for

Wyoming and Teton County

Governor Extends Statewide Health Orders

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon issued a Statewide Directive on Friday, April 3rd, stating that Wyoming residents and non-residents coming or returning to Wyoming from another state or country for a non-work-related purpose should immediately self-quarantine for 14 days. The Directive went on to state anyone traveling to Wyoming for less than 14 days would need to self-quarantine for the duration of their stay.
Teton District Health Officer Dr. Travis Riddell noted the importance of highlighting the Governor’s Directive since some Teton County residents may be returning to the area following spring break. “While many residents canceled spring travel plans, others left the area and will need to be diligent about self-quarantining regardless of where they visited,” Dr. Riddell said. 
Additionally, three Statewide Public Health Orders were also extended on Friday, April 3rd. The orders were set to expire on April 17th, but are now in effect and valid for an additional two weeks, through April 30th. 
Various restrictions have applied to Teton County residents over the past two weeks as community leaders and health officials monitor COVID-19 trends and assess resources. While some of the requirements are still in place, others have expired or have been revoked because subsequent orders were issued. If the State Health Officer issues or extends a Public Health Order, a previous restriction may no longer be needed. 
The different restrictions are defined below, explaining the recent changes, and noting which remain valid. 
Teton District Public Health Orders – These orders are issued by the Teton District Health Officer, Dr. Riddell, with authorization from the Wyoming State Health Officer. These orders are issued by medical professionals, not elected officials. 
Public Health Order #20-4 is the only Teton District Public Health Order that remains in effect, limiting gatherings to only individuals in a person’s household. This Order is set to expire on April 17, 2020, but may be extended. Three previous Teton District Public Health Orders have expired or have been replaced but new health orders remain in effect.
Statewide Health Orders – These orders are issued by the Wyoming State Health Officer, Dr. Alexia Harrist, and are in effect for the entire state. Like a County Public Health Order, they are issued by a medical professional rather than an elected official. 
Three (3) Statewide Health Orders are still in effect. On April 3rd, the State Health Officer extended all three Statewide Health Orders to be effective through April 30th: 
#1: Temporary closing of bars, restaurants, theaters, gymnasiums, childcare facilities, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and trade schools. 
#2: Forbidding gatherings of 10 people or more. 
#3: Temporary closing of nail salons, hair salons, barbershops, massage services, tattoo, body art, and piercing shops, and cosmetology, electrology, and esthetic services. 
Recommendations – Recommendations from Teton District Health Officer are given solely as guidance. Though not legally enforceable, recommendations offer health advice to best protect the community. 
To date, the Teton District Health Officer has issued six (6) recommendations. Four (4) of the recommendations have been superseded by Public Health Orders or additional 
recommendations. Only two (2) recommendations remain in effect: 
#4: Visitors to Teton County, WY are requested to return home by the fastest and safest available means, and persons considering visiting Teton County, WY should remain home. Non-resident homeowners are strongly encouraged to leave or to not travel to Teton County, WY. 
#6: Residents of Teton County, WY who leave the geographic area of WY, Bonneville County, ID, or Teton County, ID, and visitors to Teton County, WY from outside that same area should limit movement and gathering with individuals who are not their immediate family upon returning to Teton County, WY. Such persons should leave their residences only to perform essential activities for a 14-day period of self-quarantine. 
Statewide Directive – A Governor’s Directive is issued by Wyoming’s Governor, Mark Gordon, and provides additional direction and guidance for all of Wyoming. A Statewide Directive is similar to a recommendation; though not legally enforceable, it extends guidance to everyone in the state. 
One (1) Statewide Directive is in effect through April 30,2020, stating Wyoming residents and non-residents coming or returning to Wyoming from another state or country for a non-work-related purpose should immediately self-quarantine for 14 days. 
Ordinance – The means by which a town or city passes legislation. 
The Town of Jackson passed an emergency stay-at-home ordinance (#1249) on March 28th for all persons within the Town of Jackson. The ordinance was revoked a few days later after the Teton District Health Officer issued a Public Health Order that included the Town of Jackson. 
Several websites have been established to help the public stay apprised of the valid Public Health Orders and provide the documents in their entirety. The Teton County Health Department is maintaining a list of both current and archived COVID-19 regulations at www.tetoncountywy.gov/health. A community web page, jhcovid.com, has been established to house both news updates as well as community resources and other information. 
Both online sources listed above are maintained by your local government and are frequently updated. The websites are geared to assist people in understanding the measures they should be taking to self-isolate and/or self-quarantine and stay healthy. 
Dr. Riddell adds, “While the current requirements include other details, the bottom line remains the same: wash your hands frequently, limit your interactions with those outside your household, consolidate your essential activities and make as few trips as possible, avoid crowded areas, and stay at home if you are sick. The community needs your help right now.”  
 

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