Public health orders updated

Wyoming’s Governor, Mark Gordon, updated the public health orders last week, easing restrictions on public gatherings and a couple of other items, at least through June 30.

With summer upon us, many events have already been canceled, however, Gordon has increased the number of persons allowed at indoor gatherings to 250.

The easing of the restrictions does mean social distancing must still be in place and increased sanitation measures must be used.

Church services and funeral homes are exempted from the new orders as they are already allowed to gather without restrictions, although social distancing is encouraged.

Parents will be pleased to hear K-12 schools, colleges and the University of Wyoming as well as trade schools throughout the state may resume in-person instruction as long as there are no more than 50 students or instructors in the room.

Spacing guidelines for classrooms as well as sanitation guidelines should be enforced.

Schools will still need to have an approved, fully developed plan for re-opening in the fall.

The most recent update also allows childcare facilities to resume their normal operations and increases the size of group fitness classes to 50 participants as well.

Other good news with the new orders is the allowance for parades to continue as usual, but social distancing measures must be used.

Governor Gordon said during last week’s press conference that the number of cases in Wyoming has gone from ‘concerning’ to ‘stabilizing’ and the percentage of all tests that are positive is now rated as ‘improving.’ This is what has allowed the easing of the restrictions.

“Wyoming has made outstanding progress to date,” he said. “Folks need to remember that it is important to remain vigilant, but because we have been so successful, I am confident we can continue lifting the very few remaining public health restrictions.”