Updates will be provided by the Board of County Commission Incident Management Team at 5:00 p.m. via media release at sheridancounty.com.
Governor Mark Gordon and State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist have extended the three existing statewide health orders through April 17 to slow community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) and protect lives.
Current orders closing public places including schools, prohibiting gatherings of 10 people or more in a single room or confined space (including outdoors) and closing bars, restaurants, coffee shops and some personal services businesses will continue through April 17. Food establishments can continue to provide take-out and delivery services.
Please visit https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/novel-coronavirus/covid-19-orders-and-guidance/ to read the full orders.
Last night Sheridan County received notification there were four (4) new confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in the area. One case is a Sheridan County resident who is at home in isolation, doing well and being monitored by Sheridan County Public Health. The new Sheridan County case was determined to not be linked to the four previous Sheridan County cases. The other three (3) cases are all Johnson County residents who were tested in Sheridan County. Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is conducting follow up investigations to determine at-risk close contacts of the new cases.
Sheridan County Health Officer, Dr. Ian Hunter, continues to ask those that travel outside our community, whether it be for spring break, work, or other reasons, strongly consider a period of self-quarantine after returning to the Sheridan area. Average incubation period for the novel coronavirus is 5 days, but can occur from 2-14 days. Remember, someone may not develop symptoms for 14 days after contracting the virus.
With the current statewide public closures, Dr. Hunter, strongly urges parents to keep children home and not gather with friends. This includes avoiding playdates, sleepovers, and other activities where children and adults could potentially congregate.
More than 263 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Sheridan County with four new positives (One in Sheridan County and three in Johnson County). Two hundred eleven (211) tests have been negative and the remaining tests are still pending. Test results can take up to 3-5 days.
The Sheridan Memorial Hospital has a Dedicated Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phone Number 307-672-1004. This line is strictly for those who are experiencing fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Tests are being administered in a number of locations around town depending on how you are screened. The provider who orders your test will direct you to the appropriate testing location at the time of your screening.
For patients 12 and under, a separate testing location has been established. Parents can call 307-675-5555 to visit with a pediatric specialist and determine whether testing is needed.
The public is encouraged to follow these guidelines outlined by the CDC and WDH:
- Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with those who are sick or may have been exposed.
- Stay home if sick (but if you are concerned it may be more than just a cold, please consult your physician).
- Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
We are asking that the public not overwhelm our healthcare professionals asking for tests if they are not at risk. For more information please contact Sheridan County Public Health, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 307-672-5169, and follow the voice prompts.
Local links are listed here:
Sheridan Memorial Hospital: https://www.sheridanhospital.org/
Sheridan VA: https://www.sheridan.va.gov/
Sheridan College: https://www.sheridan.edu/
Sheridan School District 1: https://www.sheridan.k12.wy.us/
Sheridan School District 2: https://scsd2.com/
Sheridan School District 3: https://www.sheridan3.com/
Holy Name Catholic School: https://holynamesheridan.org/school
Martin Luther Grammar School: https://wyoschool.faith/
Below, are CDC and state links to information and precautions:
