Stephen Malik, Public Information Manager for Lincoln County Emergency Management spoke with Duke Dance and SVI during the Weekday Wakeup on Thursday morning. He addressed rumors, needs and information regarding the current status of COVID-19 virus this has changed many aspects of daily life.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS FULL INTERVIEW FROM THURSDAY MARCH 19.

In addition, the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management released information regarding behavior specific to north Lincoln County:

AFTON, Wyoming – As of March 13, 2020, Lincoln County has activated our Emergency Operations Center and incident management staff are continuously monitoring the spread of
 COVID-19 throughout the region. Our incident management team is also coordinating daily with
local, county, and state officials to ensure up-to-date information.

This is an unprecedented 
event, and is being taken very seriously by all levels of government, healthcare providers, and
 emergency services. The situation changes daily, and we will update regularly.

Current Risk
 Confirmed cases in Wyoming: 18 (Fremont, Park, Laramie, Teton, and Sheridan Counties)
Cases are confirmed in Eastern Idaho (Madison and Teton Counties)

Confirmed cases in Lincoln County: 0

Risk is considered low at this time, but all are encouraged to practice social distancing and
 hygiene, per CDC guidelines. This is imperative to help prevent the spread of the virus. While
 80% of cases report either no or mild symptoms, this virus does pose a significant risk to the 
elderly, those with chronic health conditions, or those with compromised immune systems.

• Use Official Information Sources


There is a wealth of information at our fingertips, but much if it is incorrect. It is our goal to 
provide the latest actionable public information possible in a timely fashion, and we cannot
 stress enough the importance of getting information from official sources. Rumors lead to panic
 behavior, which in-turn cause increased disruption to services and public access to supplies.
 Disruptions have a ripple effect that could worsen and prolong the negative effects of this event,
and hinder the stabilization and recovery process.
 Official information is distributed through official government social media sources, government 
and healthcare websites, and through local media outlets.

• Lincoln County Office of Homeland Security
& Emergency Management
March 19, 2020

-Supplies

Local retailers are regularly receiving and re-stocking groceries and other necessities. Keeping 
items in stock, however, relies heavily on public behavior. Shortages of key supplies have
already been experienced in past weeks. We ask that you only purchase what you need, and
allow others to do the same.

Grocery stores have been forced to limit purchase quantities due to
hoarding and panic buying. There are many in our county who have stringent dietary 
requirements due to medical conditions, and they are affected heavily by shortages of these
items. Supplies are being trucked in as rapidly as possible. As you shop, please be mindful of
others, and continue to follow social distancing and cleanliness guidelines.

Additional Resources


Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Wyoming Department of Health Epidemiology

Lincoln County Public Health