The new coronavirus, so named for the crown-like spikes on its surface, is now confirmed to be in the state of Wyoming. While only a couple of cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the state — and none in Park County — health officials say there are likely other cases they don't know about.
Meanwhile, the impacts of the virus are being felt throughout Park County as health officials work proactively to limit the spread of the virus. They say that while COVID-19 poses a low risk to most residents — causing cold-like symptoms — it can in rare cases be deadly, with the elderly and those with chronic diseases particularly vulnerable.
As news and actions become known, new and updated information will be reported as soon as possible.
Powell Tribune News Coverage
- As COVID-19 cases rise, 'we have a small window to turn this around,' health officer says
- State leaves health orders as cases of COVID-19 rise
- PVHC's coronavirus tests less intrusive, but just as accurate
- State won't relax rules for local restaurants
- Powell Valley Care Center now able to allow outdoor visitation
- Worker in Yellowstone tests positive for COVID-19; Park County sees six cases in a week
- Drive-thru COVID-19 testing now available in Powell and Cody
- Three new cases of COVID-19 identified in Powell
- Second test again finds no sign of COVID-19 in Cody sweage system
- Two more Big Horn County residents test positive for COVID-19
- Housing assistance available for those impacted by pandemic
- Businesses begin applying for forgiveness of PPP loans
- New case of COVID-19 detected at Powell Valley Healthcare
- No sign of COVID-19 found in Cody sewage
- Local polling places to be reduced and absentee voting encouraged amid pandemic
- Multiple cases of COVID-19 reported at Worland nursing home
- Gatherings of up to 25 people allowed Friday as orders are relaxed
- Restrictions continue to ease
- Recycling center to open with restrictions
- As restrictions gradually begin to ease, Park County considers allowing in-restaurant dining
- Park County facilities — including courthouse — reopen to the public
- Cleaning tips for minimizing coronavirus threat at home
- Second COVID-19 case found in Big Horn County
- Barber shops, salons and gyms can reopen Friday
- Powell schools will not reopen this spring
- State preparing to relax restrictions
- Park County drops extra restrictions on local day cares, gatherings
- PVHC weathering pandemic, looking at how to move forward
- 'This virus is real and it can be very deadly'
- Postal food drive postponed, Loaves and Fishes seeking donations
- Johnson County man infected with new coronavirus dies, in state's first COVID-19-related death
- Former Powell nurse helping fight COVID-19 at NYC field hospital
- Officials recommend 'targeted use' of face masks
- Big Horn and Hot Springs counties get first confirmed cases of COVID-19
- Heart Mountain Pilgrimage canceled due to COVID-19
- Park County defies odds on COVID-19
- Volunteers spring into action to assist those struggling during shutdown
- Governor extends Wyoming's COVID-19 restrictions through April
- Spring sports season canceled due to pandemic
- Unemployment claims skyrocket in county
- County extends extra restrictions on local gatherings, day cares
- Innovators in Wyoming, Montana team up to build PPE
- In the outdoors, keep your distance
- Animal shelter closed to public, population increases
- Montana discouraging visits, but the border remains open
- Cody woman with COVID-19 makes 'complete' recovery
- Some products still in short supply, but grocery shelves filling
- Federal loans available to help small businesses keep workers
- Powell schools to begin remote learning Monday
- Governor extends closures, ban on large gatherings through April 17
- Seniors face unique challenges from isolation
- Governor issues plea: Stay home
- Powell Valley Recycling closes its doors temporarily
- Loaves and Fishes continuing to distribute food amid outbreak
- Donor buys ventilators for Cody hospital
- Yellowstone shuts down to limit spread of COVID-19, prevent strain on gateway communities
- Public health officer: 'I think what we are doing is making a difference'
- Banks, other essential services still accessible
- Schoolwork will be optional during closure
- City makes temporary changes to fees and employee sick leave
- Vocational education funding in limbo
- Local health workers available to answer COVID-19 questions
- Game and Fish available by phone, email and online
- Good Samaritan leaves paper towels in vehicle outside Mr. D's
- Courthouse, other county facilities close to the public
- Powell, Cody city halls close to the public
- Health officials order closure of businesses, prohibit gatherings of 10 or more people
- Tribune office closed to the public
- Non-essential businesses should shut down, Park County health officer says
- COVID-19 arrives in Park County, as Cody woman tests positive for disease
- New coronavirus leads to closures
- Panic buying comes to Powell stores
- Powell schools to close through early April
- NWC closes campus through April 3
- Libaries, pools shut down
- Powell schools may close through early April; officials to decide Monday
- Novel coronavirus now in Wyoming
- Spring sports season delayed due to coronavirus
- State basketball tourney, other school competitions scrapped due to coronavirus
- Check back for future updates and additional news coverage
Coronavirus Toolkit:
- Guidance for Employers - Guidance for employers to plan and respond to the Coronavirus.
- Workplace Tips - For workplace tips and resources for employers to combat the virus.
- Corporate Aid Tracker - View corporate aid tracker for details on how businesses are helping nationwide.
- Resilience in a Box - If your business needs help putting a plan in place, use the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s toolkit created in partnership with the UPS foundation.
Below you will find additional websites we feel will be beneficial to you:
Additionally, we encourage everyone to do their best in helping prevent the spread of illness:
- 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 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs. A list of COVID-19 fighting products can be found here.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick, stay home and limit contact with others as much as possible.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a tissue but if not possible, with your inner elbow.
- Prepare your household for COVID-1919. Guidance can be found here.
- If you are sick, seek medical care early. Call your primary care doctor or Cody Regional Health’s Emergency Line at 307-578-2000.
Powell Valley Healthcare
Powell Valley Healthcare is limiting access to their facilities. All patients and visitors will be asked to complete a simple screening process.
Community members are asked to refrain from visiting the care center, assisted living facility and the hospital.
307Health
307Health requests that all walk-in visitors with any respiratory symptoms (cough, fever, runny nose or shortness of breath) call their physician access phone number or 307-764-3721 before coming into the facility.
If COVID-19 enters the facility, they may need to suspend on-site care services for a period of time. They will continue to email members any new helpful materials they find or updates to their normal business practices as the situation evolves.
Cody Regional Health
Cody Regional Health has elected to reduce entry to the main entrance. This is a precautionary step to protect patients, staff and our community.
Wyoming Dept. of Health
The Wyoming Department of Health is closely monitoring the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak situation and sharing recommendations.
Wyoming Dept. of Workforce Services
Includes steps you can take to mitigate the spread of the virus among your staff.
- Actively encourage sick employees to stay home.
- Separate sick employees.
- Emphasize to employees staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene.
- Perform routine environmental cleaning.
- Click here for more information
Northwest Rural Water District — COVID-19
In the past few days Northwest Rural Water District (NRWD) has received a couple of phone calls from customers regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus). On March 12, 2020 the District received a note from the EPA Region 8 office stating that coronavirus has not been detected in drinking water supplies. You can continue to drink water from your tap as usual. Please do not run to the store and spend a lot of money on bottled water as that is unnecessary.
The other questions that have come up have been along the lines of, “Will water still be available if NRWD personnel come down with the coronavirus?” The answer to that question is yes. Staff is primarily concerned with maintenance of the system, monitoring the system, and new installations. The District’s water system is fully automated and NRWD personnel have the ability to monitor the system from home. It is also highly unlikely that the District’s young and healthy personnel are going to all come down with this virus. Please do not panic as it is highly unlikely there is any risk to your water system.
— Mike Mackey, District Manager
Resilience in a Box
Developed in partnership with The UPS Foundation, Resilience in a Box is based on best practices and designed to educate business leaders on disaster preparedness and business resilience.
Foreign Workers - J1 and H2B Visa programs
InterExchange is closely monitoring news and expert guidance related to the coronavirus (“COVID-19”). The well-being of our participants, staff, host families and organizations is our top priority and we are taking pre-emptive steps to help ensure everyone’s safety and to plan for the continuity of our operations.
COVID-19: Stay Informed
