Wyoming’s mask order, along with public health orders for bars, restaurants, theaters and gyms, will be rescinded starting March 16, Governor Mark Gordon announced on Monday. However, face coverings will still be required in K-12 schools.

“I thank the people of Wyoming for their commitment to keeping one another safe throughout this pandemic,” Governor Gordon said in a press release. “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.” 

The press release states that the decision to remove the orders reflects the state’s continually improving health metrics and is consistent with the Governor’s approach of balancing public health with protecting livelihoods.

However, 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, the press release stated. 

“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 has seen a declining number of active COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. As of Sunday afternoon, there were 1,057 active lab confirmed cases in the state with 21 COVID patients hospitalized in Wyoming facilities. Locally, Lincoln County reported 22 lab confirmed cases as of Sunday, with zero COVID patients hospitalized at Star Valley Health or South Lincoln Medical Center. 

Vaccination efforts continue both at the local and state level. Lincoln County Public Health announced this week that pre-registration is now open for the remainder of individuals in the Phase 1b group and those in 1c eligible groups. Those include those age 50-64, Grocery Store employees, those with certain medical conditions, USPS, UPS & Fed Ex employees, Caregivers caring for a person who is at high risk of COVID-19 illness and can not receive the vaccine, persons on the Wyoming Community Choices Waiver or the Developmental Disabilities Waiver, most state employees, essential critical workforce who are unable to physically distance or telework and those living in dormitories.

Further details about registering for the COVID-19 vaccine can be found at www.lcwy.org/departments/public-health. LCPH continues to receive shipments of and administer the Moderna vaccine and does not have information on how much and/or when the Johnson & Johnson vaccine might become available locally.