The Wyoming Department of Health reported 158 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, bringing the statewide total to 36,550. No new cases were reported for Natrona County in the last 24 hours, leaving the current number of active cases in Natrona County at 179.

22 new deaths have been reported by the Health Department, bringing the total number of Wyoming deaths to 373. Of these deaths, 78 have occurred in Natrona County. 4 of those deaths occurred in the last 24 hours.

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As of Dec. 21, there are 161 COVID-related hospitalizations in Wyoming, 32 of which are housed at the Wyoming Medical Center in Natrona County.

Cheyenne Regional Medical Center currently reports 33 COVID-related hospitalizations

Currently, 34,711 cases have recovered.

To slow the spread of the disease, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon announced that the state will implement new restrictions about face coverings in certain indoor public settings, reducing group sizes and reducing hours of business when COVID-19 transmission is more like to occur.

However, counties can opt out of the requirements if local conditions move to safe levels in accordance with White House metrics.

“Our state and those surrounding us are facing a hospital capacity crisis that now compels us to take additional action," Gordon said in a news release.

"All through the fall, Wyoming has seen a rise in serious cases of COVID to a point where every county is facing critical and dangerous levels of spread of the virus," Gordon said. "Too many people have died."

“Science tells us limiting gatherings of groups and using face coverings are effective in slowing transmission of this virus. With these actions we can avoid taking the more drastic step of closing schools and businesses," he said.

The new requirements build on previous public health orders that began in March.

People now must wear face coverings in indoor covered spaces beginning Wednesday and expiring Jan. 8.

Besides the face-covering order, the Department of Health will issue these requirements:

  • Restaurants and bars will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for onsite consumption.
  • Groups of patrons seated together will be limited to six at bars, restaurants, theaters, concert halls and large events.
  • Group workout classes at gyms will be limited to 10 individuals.
  • Gatherings without required distancing will be limited to 10 individuals
  • Bars and restaurants may continue to provide takeout and delivery options during these hours, to the extent authorized by law.

KEEP READING: See states hit hardest by COVID-19’s impact on tourism

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