ROCK SPRINGS — On Tuesday, Governor Mark Gordon said the state is following its pandemic-influenza response plan as a framework to respond to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

“The first thing I want to emphasize is that there are no reported cases in Wyoming at this time and the risk to our residents from the disease remains low,” Gov. Gordon said in a press conference. “While the risk remains low, it is becoming increasingly likely that COVID-19 will eventually spread to the state.”

“As many of you are already aware, COVID-19 is respitory disease that appears to be spreading much like the flu,” Gordon said.

The Wyoming Department of Health and the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security are coordinating state resources and planning efforts to ensure vital resources are protected should events cause a disruption, Gordon said.

“In accordance with the Center’s for Disease Control recommendations, the Wyoming Department of Health is using its pandemic-influenza response plan as a framework for response to the COVID-19 virus,” Gordon said.

The Wyoming Department of Health is coordinating with local health departments and homeland security across the state.

Locals Weigh In

Gov. Gordon wasn’t the only one discussing this topic today. During the Rock Springs City Council meeting on March 3, the Council listened to a presentation from Sweetwater County Public Health Department Director Kim Lionberger and Public Health Response Coordinator Carla Roich on COVID-19.

Roich said as of 4:15 pm Tuesday, 92,818 cases have been reported worldwide, with 3,159 deaths, while 118 have been reported in the United States, with 7 deaths.

Roich said Wyoming is working closely with the CDC and they have received test kits to conduct their own tests within the state.

“Our advice to the city of Rock Springs and businesses is to make sure you have your own pandemic plan,” Roich said.

This involves looking at janitorial-cleaning services and addressing absenteeism from those who get sick.

“Masks don’t do the public any good,” Lionberger said.

She said all the masks do is contain some of the patient’s symptoms to themselves. The masks do not keep out the virus droplets that may be passed on through coughing or sneezing.

“We don’t want to overreact, but we don’t want to underreact,” Mayor Timothy Kaumo said.

Councilor Billy Shalata agreed saying, “The best way going forward is not to panic, but just stay calm.”

Prevention Steps

Roich said residents should follow the same prevention tips that they would for the flu.

Wyomingites are encouraged to stay home when they are sick, stay away from those who are sick, wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, and cover their mouth when they sneeze or cough.

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