Possible Face Mask Mandate in Wyo. To Be Discussed On KODI

Do you think Wyomingites should be required to wear a face mask?

Health officials across the state are urging Gov. Mark Gordon to issue a statewide mandate due to an increase in COVID-19 cases across Wyoming.

One of those health officials is Park County’s public health officer, Dr. Aaron Billin. He and Bill Crampton, Park County nursing manager, will be on “Speak Your Piece with Darian Dudrick” Tuesday, Nov. 17. Tune in at 9 a.m. on KODI 1400 AM / 96.7 FM.

This week, the Wyoming Hospital Association joined several other health officials in asking Gordon to “strongly consider” a face mask mandate statewide.

The letter (read here) was originally sent to Gordon on Nov. 2. It was signed by the Wyoming Medical Society Board of Trustees, including Dr. David Wheeler, and 21 Wyoming county health officers, including Billin.

The letter was resent to the governor Thursday with three additional signatures from WHA: Eric Boley, president; Maureen Cadwell, chairperson; Margie Molitor, vice chairperson.

In the letter, health officials express concerns regarding the pandemic.

“The White House Task Force has placed Wyoming in the top 10 states for COVID cases and recommended face masks in our counties,” the letter reads. “With the recent dramatic increase in cases and hospitalizations, expedited implementation is paramount. In addition, if we can slow the spread of COVID-19, we can hopefully also prevent another lockdown and speed our economic recovery.”

The letter concludes:

“We appeal to you to strongly consider adopting an ordinance requiring face masks similar to the ordinances that Teton and Laramie counties have passed and are now being considered elsewhere in the state for the protection of the public good and health of its citizens.”