41 New Cases of COVID-19 in Natrona County, 456 New Statewide Cases

The Wyoming Department of Health reported 456 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, bringing the statewide total to 37,623. 41 new cases of COVID-19 were reported for Natrona County, bringing the number of confirmed active cases to 198.

As of Dec. 28, there have been 405 COVID-related deaths in Wyoming, 88 of which have occurred in Natrona County.

As of Dec. 28, there are 115 COVID-related hospitalizations in Wyoming, 18 of which are housed at the Wyoming Medical Center in Natrona County.

Cheyenne Regional Medical Center currently has the most COVID-related hospitalizations, with 25 patients currently being treated.

Currently, 36,077 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.