Goshen County under mask mandate

Alex Hargrave
Posted 11/20/20

Anyone entering a Goshen County business or public building will now be required to wear a face covering as indicated in a public health order from Goshen County Health Officer Marion Smith, M.D., that went into effect Nov. 18.

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Goshen County under mask mandate

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GOSHEN COUNTY – Anyone entering a Goshen County business or public building will now be required to wear a face covering as indicated in a public health order from Goshen County Health Officer Marion Smith, M.D., that went into effect Nov. 18.

The mask mandate comes in response to an uptick in cases throughout the county and state. As of Wednesday, Goshen County has 313 active cases, totaling 396 positive cases since March, according to the Wyoming Department of Health. Statewide, there are 10,891 active cases, 21,047 total. 

“This is really the only thing that we can do and there have been numerous studies that have shown that masking really does help,” Smith said in an interview with The Telegram prior to the order’s approval. 

The order approved and signed by State Health Officer Alexia Harrist, M.D., states face coverings are required in the following situations: when a person is inside or in line to enter a retail or commercial business, or any government facility open to the general public, including county and municipal buildings; when a person is in a healthcare facility receiving services, including veterinary offices; and when any person is using public transit or a car service.

All employees of such businesses or government facilities open to the general public must also wear face coverings. These businesses or government facilities must post visible notices near the entrance of the building stating face coverings are required.

Those dining in restaurants may remove their masks to eat or drink if they are at least six feet away from patrons at other tables. No more than eight people can be seated at a table, the order says. 

Minors are not required to wear face coverings, though it is strongly recommended they do so. Every Wyoming public school district, including Goshen County School District No. 1, continues to require students to wear face coverings inside school buildings. 

There are also exceptions for individuals who have a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering. 

Violators of this public health order will be prosecuted under Wyoming Statutes 35-1-105 and 35-1-106. The first statute states in part that no person, corporation or organization shall “wilfully violate, disobey or disregard the provisions of the public health laws of Wyoming” and violators can be fined up to $100 or be imprisoned for up to six months. The second statute states any person violating orders of the state department of health or refuses to obey a lawful order issued by a state, county or municipal health officer can be fined up to $1,000 or be imprisoned for up to one year.

Torrington Police Chief Matt Johnson said the mask mandate “presents unique law enforcement challenges that agencies like ours are working to address across the nation.”

“We can only hope to utilize the limited law enforcement resources that we have to maximize public safety in our community,” Johnson wrote in a text message to The Telegram. “At this time, that does not include a targeted enforcement plan. If concerns arise, we will address them on a case by case basis.”

 This health order is in effect Nov. 18 through Dec. 4.