CHEYENNE— Out of Wyoming’s 23 counties, 13 have applied for and been granted variances for the state’s COVID-19 Coronavirus restrictions, including Sweetwater County.

Most of the variances are for dining and gatherings, however, Teton County has asked and received a variance to make the COVID-19 restrictions “more restrictive”.

Sweetwater, Uinta, Hot Springs, Sheridan, Niobrara, and Goshen Counties have received variances for both dining and gatherings.

Lincoln, Park, Washakie, Natrona, and Converse Counties have received variances for dining. Platte County has received a variance for gatherings.

The remaining 10 counties have not applied for, or received, variances yet.

During Governor Mark Gordon’s press conference on Thursday, both Governor Gordon and Dr. Alexia Harrist, State Health Officer, emphasized that though these variances offer flexibility and opportunities for Wyoming businesses and residents, they do not mean Wyoming can go back to how life was before.

Governor Gordon said the variances allow Wyoming to “reawaken” the state’s economy and begin the new normal. He said the state’s residents need to remain diligent, especially when considering vulnerable populations and those who work for them.

“We need the cooperation of the Wyoming people,” he said.

There are Still Areas of Concern

Dr. Harrist said Wyoming still has areas of concern. There are still new cases concentrated in some counties, and new cases are still scattered across the state.

Though there is some community spread across the state, Dr. Harrist said it is not as prominent as in other areas of the country. This is what the state has been working to prevent, and she thanked the people of Wyoming for their cooperation and hard work in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

She said testing is much more available now than it was at the start of the pandemic, and if people are experiencing symptoms they should contact their healthcare providers and seek testing.

Dr. Harrist also strongly encouraged residents to wear face coverings in public settings to help prevent the spread of the virus.

She asked Wyoming residents to continue to take restrictions seriously. If able, she said people should still consider working from home and continue to socially distance themselves.

She understands that many people, especially vulnerable populations are restless and lonely, but that they should “stay the course” so they can stay healthy.

“The pandemic is unfortunately not over,” Dr. Harrist said.