Moving forward safely

CHEYENNE – Governor Mark Gordon and State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist took the first steps in their calculated plan to reopen sectors of the state’s economy on Tuesday by rolling back restrictions on certain businesses and continuing parts of their three COVID-19 closures until May 15.
Gordon announced Tuesday that gyms, barber shops, hair salons and other personal care services will be allowed to reopen on Friday under specific operating conditions after being closed for about a month due to concerns over COVID-19.
Daycares will also be allowed to reopen, and hospitals will be allowed to perform elective surgeries. During a press conference Tuesday, Gordon said the steps taken by the state are measured and careful.
“I recognize that tough decisions have been made the require sacrifice and cause pain, but it is important not to jeopardize the progress we have made,” he said. “Therefore, we will continue to take a methodical, measured approach moving forward as we see progress. As we see progress, we can continue to move forward.”
For some businesses, restrictions were extended until May 15. Gordon told the assembly that he and Harrist made those decisions in the interest of keeping people healthy and safe. Restaurants will be allowed to do to-go orders, as opposed to being limited to curbside pick-up only, provided only five people are in the waiting area at a time. Dining rooms will remain closed.
“This is a campaign,” Gordon said. “A struggle against a virus – an insidious and invisible enemy. We do not want to surrender any of the ground we have gained. We realize there are particular industries, like the restaurant industry, that is awaiting guidance on being able to provide table service in their establishments. We’re working very closely with them.”

Harrist said the goal is to finally move forward out of the COVID-19 era, but to do so carefully. She said the decision to reopen personal services businesses stems from the fact that there are safe ways to carry out interactions, and that groups larger than 10 aren’t usually found in those businesses.
“We will make thoughtful and measured choices as we continue navigating our way through this pandemic,” she said. “If we aren’t purposeful, we could make a potentially worse situation in Wyoming for public health and economic impact. I want us to move forward, but safely. That means taking one step at a time to allow us the opportunity to continually check on how things are going before we take the next step.”
The state health officer also advocated for more widespread use of masks and face coverings, saying they will play a pivotal role in the months to come. Harrist said its recommended to wear face coverings in settings where social distancing is difficult or not an option, like grocery stores.
“As we move forward on our path, it has become clear that cloth face coverings will play a critical role,” she said. “They are included in some portions of the updated orders.
“Using the coverings can help slow the spread of the virus and help stop the people who have the virus and don’t know it from transmitting it to others. If you wear a face covering, and you have the virus and are asymptomatic or not sick yet, that face covering can help prevent you from giving the virus to somebody else who can get severely ill.”
Gordon, who has faced criticism from some residents in the Cowboy State for his three public health orders, said he realizes some businesses and entire industries have taken a hit, but that Wyoming will continue to work to remedy the situation.
“What I want to be clear about, and frankly what I’m a little bit annoyed about, is that we never closed the economy,” Gordon said. “What we did is we put some restrictions in place for public safety, but we allowed people to continue working.
“We have done our best to make sure our economy continues to be as strong as it can be under these circumstances … but I want to be clear. Our economy is tied to the national economy and the global economy. In both of those cases, there has been a massive hit and our world, our country absolutely has to get back to work. Wyoming has been working and it will continue to work.
Gordon said he was on a phone call with Trump and other governors from around the country, and he told the president that Wyoming is ready to take the lead.
“I was able to assure him,” Gordon said. “’Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, Wyoming stands ready to lead this nation back. We’re a thoughtful people that don’t need regulations and we need to have the opportunity to do what we know how to do – and that is to do the right thing, the right way.”