Study Shows Wyoming Last Among U.S. States in Mask Compliance

Study Shows Wyoming Last Among U.S. States in Mask Compliance

A Jackalope wears a mask as it greets visitors to Dubois, Wyo., in June, 2020. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City)

Originally shared by Oil City News Staff | Oil City News

CASPER – Data collected by the Delphi Group and posted by Carnegie Mellon University shows that Wyoming is in last place when it comes to mask compliance.

The data is published in an interactive map that gathers state-by-state statistics on several topics regarding COVID-19.

Advertisement - Story continues below...

According to the data, 66.7 percent of Wyoming’s population wears a mask “most or all of the time” as of Oct. 27.

Wyoming’s closest rival is South Dakota, which reports 74.3 percent of users doing so. North Dakota and Idaho follow, with 74 percent and 76.7 percent, respectively.

Other neighbors to Wyoming have various health ordinances in place and show a higher observance of mask wearing. Colorado clocks in at 89 percent, and Montana is at 82 percent.

The survey is updated as data becomes available. Going back to previous reports shows an uptick in mask usage over time. In late September, Wyoming’s mask usage was just 58.9 percent.

Health experts continue to stress the scientific research behind the effectiveness of masks in prevent the spread of COVID-19. Last week, Wyoming’s State Health Officer and State Epidemiologist Alexia Harrist said the lack of COVID spread in Wyoming’s schools, which practice strict mask policies, proves that masks work.

Wyoming governor Mark Gordon has continuously resisted issuing masking mandates in the state, leaving it up to counties and local governments to decide on the best course of action. Laramie County is considering a mask mandate, which closely follows Teton County’s examble, Wyoming’s only county with a mandate.


THE LATEST COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS NEWS & INFO FROM THE WYOMING DEPT. OF HEALTH

What to do if you feel sick: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are showing symptoms, please call your primary care provider or seek medical attention.

Please follow these tips to slow the spread of this virus:

  • Follow Public Health Orders
  • Practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.
  • Wear cloth face coverings in public settings, especially when physical distancing of at least 6 feet isn’t available.
  • Stay home when sick and avoid other people unless you need medical attention.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Older people and those with health conditions that mean they have a higher chance of getting seriously ill should avoid close-contact situations.
  • Long-term care and healthcare facilities should follow guidelines for infection control and prevention.

For current news, updates, closures and resources, please visit our COVID-19 Coronavirus page here.