To prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Jackson, Wyoming unanimously issued an emergency Stay At Home Ordinance for its residents.
“I care deeply about the health and wellbeing of not only my own patients, but that of friends, family and our local, state and national communities. I also understand that this is a difficult decision to make due to the significant impact it will have on the economy,” said Mary Beth Bender, director and primary care nurse practitioner for the University of Wyoming Student Health Services and a healthcare provider for 25 years.
The order from the city council in Jackson refers to all residents, regardless of their age. Essential activities are the only reason residents are allowed to leave their homes, including getting supplies, services, health, and safety.
“I am hopeful that this will help slow the spread, but it won’t have a significant impact unless there is more widespread implementation,” said Bender.
Bender said that although there will be a negative economic impact, the impact will be worse if the virus continues to spread throughout the community.
Essential employees, including essential government employees, liquor and food service stores, grocery store workers, and healthcare workers, are also allowed to leave their homes to provide essential services.
“We support the community’s social distancing efforts because they help flatten the curve and will help us take care of everyone who may need medical care,” said Karen Connelly, the communications officer for St. John’s Health in Jackson.
The stay at home order was issued in an attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus through the state. Although the ordinance is technically law, the City Council recognized the difficulty for this law to be enforced. The directive is issued to last until April 17.
As of March 30, Mark Gordon has not planned to issue a stay at home order for the entirety of Wyoming. Gordon has only released a closure of certain public places in which large gatherings occur until April 17. The Jackson Council is the first city to declare a stay at home order in Wyoming since the start of the pandemic.
“The purpose is to slow the spread of the illness, so that fewer critically ill people will need care at the same time,” said Bender.
President Donald Trump suggested these closures and practices of social distancing last until the end of April.
Distilleries through Wyoming are beginning to make hand sanitizer for those who are in need to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“It will be helpful if we have an effective way of distributing the hand sanitizer to those who need it, and if people use the hand sanitizer, hand washing, and other protective measures appropriately,” said Bender.
There are 109 COVID-19 cases in Wyoming as of 7:48 a.m. March 31. The largest numbers exist in Teton, Laramie, and Fremont County. Albany County has one confirmed case so far.
