December 13, 2020
The first batch of the flu vaccine (or I should say one of its variants) arrives in the United States tomorrow. Wyoming will receive 4,875 doses, which is enough to vaccinate a little under 1% of the state's population.
At this point, Wyoming has 33,757 confirmed cases and 5,150 probables, a total of 38,907. There have been 30,638 confirmed recoveries and 4,527 probable recoveries, for a total of 35,165. If we added those all together, we'd be at a total surviving infection number, to date (assuming that all those currently infected will survive, which is unlikely) of over 60,000, which would put as at about the national average of 10% of the population having been infected to date. If we also assume that all those who were infected and recovered retained their immunity, which is also not a save assumption, about 290,000 Wyomingites will have to be vaccinated or infected before the state's population would achieve "herd immunity", which is itself unrealistic as a number given the mobility of the American public.
Germany is closing schools and stores from December 16 through January 10. The virus is now raging in Turkey as well.
December 15, 2020
The first doses of the vaccine were administered in Canada.
The UK has announced the discovery of a new variant of COVID 19 that spreads more quickly than prior variants. The vaccines are expected to be effective on it as well.
Over the weekend Senator John Barasso had an editorial in the Tribune urging people to take the vaccine.
The Senators efforts are significant in that there seems to be a strong suspicion regarding the safety of the vaccine in some quarter in the state and it oddly dovetails in with politics. The Republican Party nationwide and in the state has been questioning the results of the Presidential election without merit and while the two are not tied together, the widespread questioning of demonstrated factual material ultimately taints news in general. The Senators efforts are to be praised in this context, although his support of doomed legal efforts to overturn the election in his home state of Pennsylvania do not overall help in restoring some faith in demonstrated facts. As he is a physician, however, this may prove to be persuasive in some quarters.
December 17, 2020
The U.S. Army has adopted a camouflaged face mask.
December 18, 2020
King Carl XVI of Sweden has called his country's approach to the Coronavirus pandemic, which has been much discussed as Sweden did not take the lock down or mask approach that other countries did, a failure in his annual address to the country.
Following this the Prime Minister agreed with his nation's King.
December 20, 2020
American college student, Skyler Mack, age 18, will spend four months in prison in the Cayman Islands for violating their quarantine order. Mack is a premed student, ironically, from Georgia and traveled to the islands to watch her boyfriend in a jet skiing competition.
While at first blush there would clearly be worse places to spend four months in the pokey than the Caymans, Mack will miss a semester of college in a high competitive field and now have a criminal conviction over a medical matter to contend with should she complete her course of study and seek to be licensed.
December 21, 2020
Congress reached a deal on a new COVID relief package.
December 24, 2020
As noted elsewhere, President Trump is threatening to veto the COVID relief bill.
The incoming Governor Elect of Montana is indicating he may lift that state's mask mandate when he comes into office next month.
December 30, 2020
The new more contagious variant of the Coronavirus found first in the United Kingdom has now appeared in the United States for the first time, in Colorado.
December 31, 2020
Dawn Wells, age 83, famous for her role as Mary Ann in Gilligan's Island, died of the disease.
Luke Letlow, newly elected Senator from Louisiana, age 41, also died from the virus.
January 1, 2021
The state issued its early vaccination priority list:
Early Phases of COVID-19 Prevention Vaccine Campaign Continue
December 31, 2020
Wyoming’s phased approach to providing free, safe and effective vaccinations intended to help prevent future COVID-19 infections is continuing across the state, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH).
With vaccine doses still limited, targeted vaccination efforts will continue over the coming weeks and months for Wyoming’s established priority groups based on availability. “Right now, we remain focused on Phase 1A priorities throughout the state,” said Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer and state epidemiologist with WDH.
Priority groups for Phase 1A in Wyoming include:
- Healthcare workers with regular potential for exposure to COVID-19 patients or infectious materials
- Residents and staff of long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities and residential care facilities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities
A special, targeted effort involving pharmacy chains to help vaccinate residents of many Wyoming nursing homes and assisted living facilities is planned for early January.
Wyoming’s Phase 1B vaccination priorities have been established and are generally described as including people who are 70 years of age or older and frontline essential workers who must interact with the public and are unable to consistently physically distance from others.
More detailed descriptions of both “Phase 1A and Phase 1B Distribution” priority groups can be found at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/immunization/wyoming-covid-19-vaccine-information/. A Phase 1C priority list is also expected before Wyoming moves toward Phase 2. Phase 1 overall is intended for when vaccines are in limited supply and are being allocated for specific populations.
WDH used the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, as well as recommendations from the WDH Medical Ethics Committee to identify and list priority groups.
Harrist said priority groups and vaccine ordering are handled at the state level, while vaccinations are coordinated at the county level by local health departments and their community partners.
“Details on exactly where a county is with their progress through the priority group listings and specific vaccine availability and distribution information will largely be more available locally than from the state,” she said.
Website postings, media announcements and information from employers and partner groups are among the ongoing communication activities expected to be used for updates on local vaccine availability. Overall state-level updates will also continue.
“I’m excited about recommending these vaccines and know many people are anxious to receive them, but this is a process with many steps and most of us will need to be patient until it’s our turn,” Harrist said.
“For now and for some months to come, we all need to continue wearing masks, social distancing and staying home when we are ill as we take steps toward ending this pandemic and getting things back to normal,” she continued.
People receiving the vaccines will not be asked to pay any fees. The currently authorized vaccines require two doses for maximum protection.
More information about COVID-19 vaccines from the CDC can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.
More information about COVID-19 in Wyoming can be found at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/novel-coronavirus/.
January 2, 2021
Captive black footed ferrets in Colorado, part of the population of that animal being kep there in order to reintroduce the endangered species, have received a vaccine developed for minks, to which they are closely related.
It's important to note that these populations were captive and that its been demonstrated that farm raised minks are very susceptible to COVID 19. The fear was that the disease would spread to the captive population. But this does raise concerns regarding a species that is already endangered.
Cont:
Bars, Restaurants Can Resume Late Night Service After Decline in COVID-19 Hospitalizations
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon has announced a return to normal operating hours for bars and restaurants, praising the response by Wyomingites that has resulted in a decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations around the state.
Effective January 9, updated health orders permit bars and restaurants to resume onsite consumption from 10 pm to 5 am. The updated orders also allow gyms to increase the number of participants in group fitness classes from 10 to 25.
“Thank you to the people of Wyoming who recognized the strain on their hospitals and health care workers and acted accordingly,” Governor Gordon said. “I also want to express my gratitude to those businesses that adapted to these temporary measures. These have not been easy times for anyone We are not out of the woods yet, but continued personal safety measures while the vaccine is being distributed will enable our state’s schools and businesses to continue to remain open.”
The Wyoming Department of Health will continue to evaluate metrics as the state emerges from the holiday season. Counties can still opt out of the requirements if local conditions move to safer levels in accordance with White House metrics.
On December 30, Wyoming hospitals were reporting 113 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, down from a peak of 247 on November 30. However, the state reported 223 COVID-19 deaths in December, the highest number since the pandemic began in March. Wyoming has also begun distributing the COVID-19 vaccine, utilizing a phased approach due to limited initial vaccine availability.
The updated health orders, along with additional information on Wyoming’s COVID-19 vaccination plan, can be found on Wyoming’s COVID-19 website. Copies of the orders, which are effective January 9 and expire on January 25, are also attached.
--END--
- 19th Continuation Public Health Order #1.pdf
- 19th Continuation Public Health Order #2.pdf
- 19th Continuation Public Health Order #3.pdf
- First Continuation Public Health Order #4.pdf
January 5, 2021
The Greek Orthodox Church in Greece urged its Priests to ignore that country's orders that have resulted in the closure of churches.
The virus including its new variant first detected in the UK and another new variant detected in South Africa is on the rise in Europe with many nations imposing new quarantine orders. The UK has gone into a full domestic lockdown.
January 8, 2021
A study indicates that vaccinations for COVID 19 provide better immunity than having acquired the disease itself, with antibodies lasting at least eight months.
January 9, 2021
Sweden, which has been cited as an example of a country not imposing COVID restrictions, passed a law allowing the government to impose temporary restrictions to address the spread of COVID 19. The government immediately imposed some distancing and crowd size restrictions.
January 13, 2021
Closure of the US-Canadian border has been extended.
The United States is going to require proof of vaccination for inbound international flights.
January 15, 2021
Flu cases this year have been very low, which isn't surprising given the efforts to fight COVID 19.
X-rays of victims of COVID 19 show lung scaring worse than smoker's lungs.
January 16, 2021
Natrona County ran out of COVID 19 vaccine as the response from those 70 years old and up was so strong.
All I can say is "thank goodness", as in thank goodness there's a demographic that supports the vaccine, even if it isn't the one I'm in. Mass acceptance of the vaccine is absolutely necessary in order for this pandemic to be stopped.
Also of interest, that demographic grew up in the strong acceptance of science era, and in the era in which the danger of not getting vaccinated was well known. Here's certainly one area where the "Okay, Boomer" slam isn't deserved.
January 17, 2021
The new quicker spreading variant of the disease has been found in Teton County. It spreads more easily, but it doesn't make people any sicker.
January 20, 2021
Pfizer announced that its vaccine may in fact prevent COVID transmission.
January 22, 2021
The Biden Administration issued a host of COVID 19 related executive orders including one that masks be worn on all Federal property.
The State of Wyoming relaxed its orders yesterday.
Health Orders Eased as COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts Continue
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon announced that health orders are continuing to ease, reflecting improvement in Wyoming’s COVID-19 situation since the beginning of December. The latest change is to increase attendance limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings as the state continues to make progress in its fight against COVID-19.
Beginning on January 26, indoor gatherings that incorporate social distancing and face coverings are permitted for up to 25 percent of capacity or 250 persons, and outdoor gatherings of up to 500 persons.
“Wyoming is making progress and coming closer to safely returning to more normal lives, and the steps we have taken are helping us achieve this,” Governor Gordon said. “I am confident that as our vaccination rate increases, the data-driven approach we are taking and our improving circumstances will give us more opportunity to further relax our orders.”
Counties can still opt out of the requirements if local conditions move to safer levels in accordance with White House metrics. Health officials will continue to consider exemption requests for specific events on a case-by-case basis.
On January 21, Wyoming hospitals were reporting 81 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, down from a peak of 247 on November 30. Health officials remain concerned about the new, more transmissible “UK variant” of COVID-19 identified in Teton County last week. Currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines are believed to be effective against the UK variant strain.
Wyoming’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts continue, with most counties in phase 1b of the phased distribution plan. Wyoming vaccine distribution information can be found at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/immunization/wyoming-covid-19-vaccine-information/.
The updated health orders, along with additional information on Wyoming’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts, can be found on Wyoming’s COVID-19 website. Copies of the orders, which are effective January 26 through February 14, are also attached.
--END--
January 29, 2021
Educators are now eligible for the vaccine in Wyoming.
Mexico now has the third highest death toll from the pandemic, with deaths surpassing 155,000. It's third after the United States, with over 400,000, and Brazil. India is fourth.
There are now COVID 19 sniffing dogs.
January 30, 2021
The CDC has imposed mask mandates for public transportation.
France has banned travel to non EU countries.
Canada has imposed quarantines for travelers and suspended flights to certain northern hemisphere nations to its south.
February 2, 2021
Police in Jackson have warned that they'll start ticketing individuals and business that ignore Teton County's mask order.
February 6, 2021
The Biden Administration is deploying members of the armed forces to assist in vaccination delivery.
February 11, 2021
Governor Continues to Relax COVID-19 Protocols as Hospitalizations Decline
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon announced a continued relaxation of health orders as data from most Wyoming counties shows declines in both case counts and hospitalizations.
Beginning Feb. 15 attendance limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings will increase, reflecting the state’s progress in its fight against COVID-19. Indoor gatherings that incorporate social distancing and face coverings are permitted for up to 25 percent of capacity or 500 persons, and outdoor gatherings of up to 1,000 persons. In addition, sporting events, artistic performances, restaurants and gyms all will see capacity limits eased.
“We are making good progress against this virus. Levels are returning to where they were before the dangerous spike in November and some counties have lifted restrictions. This is good news thanks to Wyoming’s people,” Governor Gordon said.
“At the end of this month state wrestling, and shortly afterwards state basketball tournaments will happen. We want to ensure these events happen safely and successfully for the athletes, families and communities involved,” he added. “Our trends are encouraging and our vaccination effort is progressing smoothly. These orders allowing larger groups and more capacity will lift up small businesses, keep schools open and get us closer to normal.”
Counties can still opt out of the requirements if local conditions move to safer levels in accordance with state metrics. Health officials are regularly reviewing variance requests for specific events.
“Spring is coming and doing the right things now will allow us to have more people attending these events, have more people in restaurants and bars, and allow us to look forward to further easing our protocols,” the Governor said.
Governor Gordon praised Wyoming’s efficient COVID-19 vaccine distribution rollout. Currently more than 11% of the state’s population has received at least one dose and the state is doing very well at administering these initial doses. Additionally, all of Wyoming’s long-term care facilities have had vaccine clinics for residents and staff. All Wyoming counties are now in phase 1b of the phased distribution plan, which includes adults 65 and over and frontline essential workers. Wyoming vaccine distribution information can be found at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/immunization/wyoming-covid-19-vaccine-information/.
The updated health orders and a fact sheet explaining the latest changes are attached. The orders are in effect from Feb. 15-28 and can also be found on Wyoming’s COVID-19 website.
-END-
And from the New York Times:
Donald Trump was sicker with Covid in October than acknowledged at the time, and officials feared he would need to be put on a ventilator.
Thursday, February 11, 2021 4:05 PM EST
Mr. Trump had extremely depressed blood oxygen levels at one point and a lung problem associated with pneumonia caused by the coronavirus, according to four people familiar with his condition.
February 15, 2021
Two white tiger cubs died of COVID 19 in a Pakistani zoo.
French hospitals have moved into "crisis mode".
New Zealand's largest city went into a three day COVID 19 lockdown after three cases emerged. My prediction is that the lockdown will last longer than that.
February 17, 2021
It's now clear that the new British version of the disease is considerably more infectious and makes its victims sicker, showing the disease has evolved, and oddly, not in the normal less sicker fashion. This is very bad.
The good news is that the vaccine still works on it.
The bad news is that the vaccine provides some protection, but doesn't apparently prevent, the new South African strain. And having had the regular variants doesn't protect you from getting it, apparently.
If there were any doubts that we need a global, rushed, mass vaccination effort, they're over now.
February 19, 2021
A new variant of the disease has emerged in Finland, which is a surprise due to the infection numbers in that country. Moreover, the new variant is reported as "genetically unrelated" to the prior ones, although that's not really possible.
To make matters all the more problematic, the new variant may not show up in tests for the disease.
A single does of the Pfizer vaccine is reported to be 80% effective.
February 23, 2021
500,000. Governor Gordon Orders Flags Be Flown at Half-Staff Statewide Through February 26 in Memory of Americans lost to COVID-19
Governor Gordon Orders Flags Be Flown at Half-Staff Statewide Through February 26
in Memory of Americans lost to COVID-19
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Governor Mark Gordon, pursuant to President Joe Biden's Proclamation remembering the 500,000 Americans lost to COVID-19, has ordered both the U.S. and State of Wyoming flags be flown at half-staff statewide until sunset February 26.
The Presidential Proclamation follows:
REMEMBERING THE 500,000 AMERICANS LOST TO COVID-19
- - - - - - -
--END--
February 24, 2021
A new variant of the disease in California is more infectious, more damaging, and resistant to vaccine antibodies to some degree.
February 26, 2021
Health Order Removed, Gathering Sizes Relaxed as Metrics Continue to Improve
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Department of Health have announced the removal of a health order addressing operations of personal care services, along with a continued relaxing of COVID-19 protocols as Wyoming’s metrics continue to improve.
Beginning March 1, Health Order No. 3, which addresses operations of barber shops, nail and hair salons, tattoo parlors and other personal care services is being eliminated completely. Attendance limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings will increase once again, and protocols for restaurant and theater operations will be adjusted. Indoor gatherings that incorporate social distancing and face coverings are permitted for up to 25 percent of capacity or 1,000 persons, and outdoor gatherings of up to 2,000 persons. In addition, sporting events and artistic performances will see participation limits eased.
Four Wyoming counties have now received variances from statewide requirements in response to local conditions. Additional changes to statewide protocols are expected to continue as metrics allow. Vaccination efforts are expected to help accelerate that process, Governor Gordon said.
“The efforts made so far have allowed us to maximize attendance safely at larger events like the state high school wrestling championships this weekend and the state high school basketball tournament that was cancelled last year,” the Governor said. “If we continue on our current trajectory, I expect us to be able to continue to remove orders as we safely return to a new normal.”
As of February 25, more than 16% of the state’s population has received at least one vaccine dose – one of the highest rates in the country. All Wyoming counties are now in phase 1b of the phased distribution plan, which includes adults 65 and over, frontline essential workers, and individuals with medical conditions that put them at higher risk. Wyoming vaccine distribution information can be found at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/immunization/wyoming-covid-19-vaccine-information/.
The changes are in effect from March 1-15. A fact sheet explaining the most recent update and the updated orders are attached. They can also be found on Wyoming’s COVID-19 website.
--END--
Meanwhile, two U.S. Navy ships in the Persian Gulf are experiencing a COVID 19 outbreak. Brazil's death toll has surpassed 250,000.
February 28, 2021
The FDA approved the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, making the US approved vaccines three in number.
March 6, 2021
Russia's COVID 19 death toll has hit 200,000.
This assumes that reporting out of Russia is accurate, which could be questioned, in which case the toll is probably at least somewhat higher.
On Brazil's and Russia's mortality totals, both nations have smaller populations than the United States so the comparison can't be made directly. In Russia's case, the death toll by percentage of the population wouldn't be hugely different than that of the United States.
March 7, 2021
The Senate has passed the huge, and potentially inflationary, second COVID 19 relief bill. Real questions can be raised about its provisions including whether it'll serve to be damaging to the economy while not really providing relief where needed.
March 8, 2021
Governor Gordon Announces Removal of Statewide Mask Requirement,
Lifts All Restrictions on Bars, Restaurants and Theaters
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon announced Wyoming
will remove its statewide mask requirement and allow bars, restaurants,
theaters and gyms to resume normal operations on March 16. The decision
reflects the state’s continually improving health metrics and is consistent
with the Governor’s approach of balancing public health with protecting
livelihoods.
Wyoming has seen a declining number of active COVID-19 cases and
hospitalizations, and has seen significant success rolling out the vaccine,
with the state’s most vulnerable residents having access to the vaccine.
“I thank the people of Wyoming for their commitment to keeping
one another safe throughout this pandemic,” Governor Gordon said. “It is
through their efforts that we have kept our schools and businesses operating
and our economy moving forward. I ask all Wyoming citizens to continue to take
personal responsibility for their actions and stay diligent as we look ahead to
the warmer months and to the safe resumption of our traditional spring and
summer activities.”
Governor Gordon emphasized the success the state has had in
managing the virus while keeping businesses and schools open. The Governor
continues to encourage Wyomingites to wear face coverings in indoor public
spaces and to follow the best practices adopted by any business they visit to
slow the spread of the virus. The significant changes to the health orders will
be released later this week, but the Governor wanted to make sure the public
knew of this important change today.
The face covering protocol will remain in place in K-12 schools
as a safety measure to ensure that classroom learning and all student
activities can continue to occur safely.
“Wyoming is one of the few states in the country that kept
students learning in the classroom for the entire school year. We made
sacrifices, but the earlier orders saved lives. We persevered,” said Governor
Gordon. “With this approach we can have graduations, proms and a great end to the
school year by keeping schools open. Especially since our children will not
have the chance to be vaccinated this spring.”
Wyoming’s vaccination efforts are among the most efficient in
the country. Nearly 100,000 first doses have been administered and 19% of the
state’s residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Almost all
counties in the state are now entering the 1c phase, which includes restaurant,
bar, gym, and theater workers. Wyoming vaccine distribution information can be
found here.
--END--
March 9, 2021
Dr. Michael Osterholm appeared on the Meet The Press over the weekend and stated that Americans were "in the eye of the hurricane" and we will be hit by another surge. This one will be of the UK variant that's already creating havoc in Europe.
The Wyoming Department of Education stated that in spite of the upcoming change in the Wyoming policies, its will remain in place and will not change with the state's.
March 10, 2021
Teton County is going to attempt to impose a mask requirement in its county as the state lifts its.
This very much swims against the Wyoming tide, but the fact does remain that national health experts overwhelmingly support a mask requirement going on for at least another month if not into May. Health experts are warning that lifting restrictions risks another surge with some, like Michael Osterholm, warning that a surge is nearly inevitable. Added to that, the new British strain is on the rise and it appears at least two of the vaccinations are not as effective against it, and none of the vaccinations are effective, maybe, at fully preventing a new California strain.
Teton County's situation is unique from the rest of the state's in more than one way, which also has or may have a role in their decision.
Alaska has made vaccines open to all adults.
March 19, 2021
The US has administered 100,000,000 vaccine injections to date.
Paris is going into a third lockdown as infection rates in Europe are once again climbing.
March 20, 2021
Idaho's legislature went into recess due to a COVID 19 outbreak effecting it.
The University of Wyoming will resume in person classes after Spring Break.
March 22, 2021
Sublette County School District No. 1's school board voted to violate the State's mask order for schools and allow its schools to be sans masks.
March 23, 2021
15% of Wyomingites are now full vaccinated, and 22% have had one dose and are on their way to vaccination. The state is rapidly increasing the number of vaccinations and based on these figures alone the numbers will be over 40% within a couple of weeks.
They still need to be double that, however for herd immunity to be effective in the state, something increasingly necessary as new strains of the disease are discovered. There are still those who will not get the shot based on gut feelings, distrust or belief in anti vaccine myths, which is not only a problem, but a significant problem.
March 25, 2021
Diocese of Cheyenne: "Those who have been fully vaccinated, who are well, who do not have underlying health conditions or are in a high-risk category, and who do not have significant anxiety of becoming ill by participating in Mass, should join their parish in celebrating the Eucharist. . . "
March 29, 2021
The University of Wyoming has announced it will be fully open in the fall.
March 31, 2021
The President asked for states that have lifted mask mandates to restore them among growing Federal alarm of an impending spike and that new variants may prove to outrun the vaccines. Wyoming's Governor Gordon immediately declined.
March 31, 2020, cont:
All Wyomingites Over Age 16 Now Eligible for COVID-19
Vaccine CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon has announced that
beginning today all Wyoming residents ages 16 and older are eligible to
receive a COVID-19 vaccine. All 23 counties have now entered Phase 2 of the
vaccine distribution plan and are scheduling appointments for the general
population. --END--
|
April 8, 2021
A new report suggests 1/3d of Covid 19 victims go on to have some neurological or psychological problems following recovery from the disease.
Cheyenne Frontier Days will be held this year.
April 12, 2021
China has admitted that its vaccines do not have a very good protection rate. China has not allowed in any foreign vaccines and was earlier casting doubt on the Pfizer doctrine which has over 90% efficacy.
40% of US Marines so far have declined the vaccine.
It's frankly amazing to me that the service allows vaccination to be declined. Requiring vaccinations of all types is a long held US armed forces policy.
April 13, 2021
Ontario is closing its schools and going to on line learning due to a rapidly declining COVID situation there.
April 15, 2021
Wyoming is second in the nation for "vaccine hesitancy" and eleven of its counties are among the top in the nation for that distinction.
April 19, 2021
Half of US adults have at least one vaccination at this time.
April 21, 2021
The local school district voted to retain the mask requirement out of a concern that some students would opt to go remote if they did away with it, a legitimate concern. A member of the city council criticized the decision.
April 25, 2021
Faced with criticism, the local school district is reversing course and lifting the mask mandate.
A surge in India has reached an extreme state of emergency. Surges are now also ongoing in parts of Canada.
May 7, 2021
Governor Gordon Issues Directive Banning Vaccine Passports
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Gordon has issued a directive that prevents state agencies, boards and commissions from requiring “vaccine passports” to access state spaces and state services.
The directive instructs state agencies, boards, and commissions to provide full access to state spaces and state services, regardless of a constituent’s COVID-19 vaccination status.
“Vaccine passport programs have the potential to politicize a decision that should not be politicized,” Governor Gordon said. “They would divide our citizens at a time when unity in fighting the virus is essential, and harm those who are medically unable to receive the vaccine. While I strongly encourage Wyomingites over the age of 16 to get vaccinated against COVID-19, it is a personal choice based upon personal circumstances.”
The Governor’s directive further urges counties, cities, and towns in Wyoming, as well as encourages private businesses, to provide full access to public spaces and services, regardless of an individual’s vaccination status.
Governor Gordon noted that more than 180,000 Wyomingites have received one of the effective COVID-19 vaccines safely. Both the Governor and First Lady have been vaccinated, and he continues to urge residents to choose to receive the vaccine to protect lives and help Wyoming move closer to ending the pandemic.
A copy of the Governor’s directive is attached and may be found here.
-END-
May 11, 2021
The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for children ages 12 through 15.
May 13, 2021
The fully vaccinated may quit wearing masks indoors and outdoors according to the CDC.
Related Threads:
As we noted last time we created a new thread here, there are over fifty threads on this topic by now. Only the main ones are linked in below.
