Laramie County Provides Modified Continuation of Phase 2 Recovery Plan

CHEYENNE (6/17/20) – With approval from Wyoming State Health Officer, Dr. Alexia Harrist, Laramie County has published a modified continuation of their Phase 2 recovery plan as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. The updated document supersedes the previous one from June 1st, 2020.

A link to that document can be found above and also available at https://covid19-clcgisc.hub.arcgis.com/ and www.cheyennecity.org/COVID-19.

The modified continuation of Phase 2 – in effect through June 30th – remains consistent with current statewide public health orders. This entails an increase in the permissible size of indoor and outdoor gatherings to no more than 250 people. Also, religious/faith-base organizations, funeral homes, and parades are now specifically exempt from all provisions of statewide public health order #2. There is no requirement to wear a mask while outside during general open-air activity (walking, exercise, outdoor work) when not near other members of the general public, but it is strongly recommended that individuals wear masks inside any establishment or location where other members of the public are within six feet, including outdoors. All organizations that offer public access (businesses, churches, museums, etc.) retain the right to make the wearing of masks a requirement for entry as they feel appropriate, in the same manner as they are allowed to set requirements for public attire and/or behavior in their establishments. 

The strategy for economic recovery in Laramie County is to strike the right balance between easing economic restrictions as quickly as possible while mitigating the risk of a resurgent of the COVID-19 disease.

The Laramie County Plan, following national and state recommendations, envisions a three-phase loosening of economic restrictions to allow businesses and organizations to return to normal operations over time. Phase 2 like subsequent phases, began only after a period of surveillance to assure that COVID-19 was not increasing as a result of loosening previous restrictions.

Entry into phases that are outside current State orders also must be approved as “variances” by both the County Health Department and the State Health Department. Subsequent phases will begin only after a similar 14-day period of community surveillance, and evaluation of hospital resources demonstrate that it is safe to proceed with the plan.

The Laramie County recovery plan document includes an overview of each phase; general guidance for businesses, organizations, and employers; metrics to be utilized; and pertinent definitions.

The Laramie County recovery plan is subject to updates based on the evolving nature of COVID-19 along with progressions and/or regressions across the county.