Compiled from Wyoming News Exchange Newspapers

Public spaces such as bars, museums and fitness clubs statewide were ordered closed Thursday by Wyoming’s health officer in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Gov. Mark Gordon announced Thursday afternoon that Dr. Alexia Harrist’s order would require the closure of the businesses until April 3.

“Wyoming, like all Americans, must commit to reducing the strain on our health care system,” Gordon said in a news release. “These are hard measures, and they will be difficult for employees and businesses alike, but they are warranted.”

The news came in the face of 18 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state.

Businesses ordered closed included schools, theaters, bars, nightclubs, coffee shops, employee cafeterias, self-serve buffets, salad bars, unpackaged self-serve food services, gyms, conference rooms and museums and other areas where more than 10 people would be likely to gather.

Harrist said state officials understand the closures could cause hardships for some.

“But it is an important step to help them avoid becoming ill and to help them avoid spreading COVID-19 to those who are most vulnerable,” she said in the release. “We should all work together to help keep our friends and neighbors safe.”

Gordon had earlier said he would leave decisions on whether to close such businesses in the hands of local officials and three counties — Teton, Park and Laramie — had decided to take that action by Thursday.

However, he said in his release that he decided it was important to take a uniform approach in efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

“This governor has never been inclined to overstep local authority, but these are unprecedented times,” he said. “It is critical that there is uniformity across the state in how social distancing measures are implemented.”

The restrictions in Park, Teton and Laramie counties were issued as Teton County reported its first case of coronavirus on Wednesday and Cheyenne officials recorded a fourth case on Thursday, bringing the state’s total to 18.

Fremont County remains the hardest hit county in the state with eight cases, all connected to a retirement home in Lander. Sheridan and Laramie counties both have four cases, while Teton and Park report one each.

As many Wyoming residents began waiting out the illness, groups began forming statewide to help people get the supplies they need.

Using social media, groups collected information on what supplies were needed by individuals and then matched those people with others who have a surplus of those goods.

In Casper, volunteers helped distribute food from Joshua’s Storehouse, a food pantry, to those who may not have been able to get out to pick it up. Most of the pantry’s existing volunteers are in their mid-60s and Kim Perez, the founder of Joshua’s Storehouse, said she did not want to risk exposing them to the virus. As a result, new volunteers stepped up to handle deliveries and to pack supply boxes.

In Cheyenne, two residents have established a collection center where those with extra supplies can drop some off to be shared.

In other developments:

State coronavirus website: Gov. Mark Gordon announced the launch of a state government web page dedicated to providing information on the COVID-19 outbreak.

The website, covid19.wyo.gov, includes links to resources and information from the state Department of Health, Office of Homeland Security, Department of Education, University of Wyoming and the state’s community colleges.

Courts closed: Wyoming’s Supreme Court ordered all district and circuit courts to suspend in-person proceedings except in cases where such proceedings are required by the and the Constitution. Judges were encouraged to reschedule civil trials and use video or telephone conferencing as much as possible.

“We are fortunate that our branch (of government) has invested in video technology and upgraded our hardware in recent years so that we can perform many judicial functions remotely,” said Chief Justice Michael Davis.

DOC visitations: The Wyoming Department of Corrections suspended all visitations to its institutions on Wednesday, citing concerns about the spread of coronavirus. The DOC said none of its staff members or inmates has tested positive for the illness.

Government offices restricted: Albany County officials closed the county’s courthouse to walk-in business, although services remained available by phone or online.

The Campbell County Library was also closed.

Testing: Campbell County Hospital began drive-through coronavirus screening on Wednesday, joining facilities in Cheyenne and Rock Springs in offering the service. In all cases, patients must have been referred for testing by a health care provider before having samples collected.

Business restrictions: The Cheyenne Regional Airport announced it would suspend daily commercial flights to Dallas beginning April 7.

Airport Director Tim Barth said the decision to wait to suspend services will allow anyone wishing to return to Cheyenne from outside the area to do so.

“As we are looking out over the next two weeks, which is traditionally the spring break period for colleges and for families to take vacations, a number of people would be stranded if the flights stopped right now.

The Plains Hotel in Cheyenne closed its doors until May because of the slowdown in business. The hotel’s owner said business normally picks up at the beginning of March, but has not done so this year.

At least four newspapers closed their offices to the public as well:  the Casper Star-Tribune, Rocket-Miner in Rock Springs, the Jackson Hole News&Guide and the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.

Events canceled: Almost any event expected to draw 50 or more people was canceled or postponed by Monday.