Face masks recommended

The number of coronavirus cases in Wyoming reached 216 on Tuesday with the diagnosis of four new cases in three counties. The number of recoveries for the state were listed at 62 Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, state health officials followed the lead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in urging everyone who visits a place where people congregate — such as a grocery store or pharmacy — to wear face masks.

“If and when you do need to go out in to the community, this is an extra voluntary measure CDC is suggesting to help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others,” said Dr. Alexia Harrist, the state’s health officer.

Tuesday’s new cases were reported in Laramie, Teton and Washakie counties.

The recommendation for everyone to wear face masks came Monday as federal officials said it would be the best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus by people who may have the illness but do not know it.

“The virus can spread between people who are close to each other without them realizing it is happening,” Harrist said. “That’s the reason for this change and new recommendation.”

Harrist, stressed the masks are no substitute for simply avoiding close contact with other people.

“It is critical for everyone to continue following the public health orders we have in place in Wyoming,” she said. “Wearing a face covering is absolutely not a substitute for social distancing, which remains important to slowing the spread of this virus.”