COVID-19 updates – July 16, 2020
July 16, 2020
7th COVID-19 case in Sublette County: Sublette County Public Health and the Wyoming Department of Health have been notified of the seventh lab-confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among Sublette County residents. The patient is a female adult in her late 70’s from Sublette County. The individual is hospitalized due to a non-COVID related health issue. This case is not related to any of our previous cases. Wyoming Department of Health and Sublette County Public Health are following up to monitor and learn more about the person’s exposure risk and identify and communicate with anyone who may have been in close contact with the patient. Known contacts will be asked to quarantine, and to monitored for symptoms and tested if needed. Sublette County has had no deaths due to COVID-19.
Fremont County man with coronavirus dies: A Fremont County man identified previously as one of Wyoming’s laboratory-confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) died recently, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH). The older man had health conditions known to put patients at higher risk of serious illness related to COVID-19 and had been hospitalized in another state when he died. Fremont County has had ten deaths due to COVID-19 and 360 laboratory-confirmed cases.
Kids likely to have to wear masks at times in upcoming school year: Sublette County Health Officer Dr. Fitzsimmons commented during the Sublette COVID-19 Task Group community update on July 16th that it is likely kids in grades K-12 are going to wear masks at times in the upcoming school year. He encouraged parents to find masks now that fit their children, and get them used to wearing them.
COVID-19 Antibody testing: Sublette County now has the ability to do antibody testing for COVID-19. They have tested clinic staff already and are moving on to testing staff at the Sublette Center. Public Health is working on getting vouchers for people who need COVID-19 swab tests but don’t have insurance or the ability to pay for the test. Talk to your health care provider about payment options for testing.
Symptoms reported with COVID-19 are cough, fever, shortness of breath, and sore throat, but research has shown the presence of other symptoms, including nasal congestion, loss of sense of smell and taste, and gastrointestinal symptoms, as well. If experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you call your healthcare provider and seek testing. A person can be asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic and still spread the virus, too.
The public is encouraged to continue to follow these guidelines outlined by the CDC and WDH:
• Wear a cloth face covering when in public (like at grocery store, etc.) to protect others from possibility of asymptomatic transmission.
• Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) of others, especially those who are sick or may have been exposed.
• Stay home if sick
• Avoid large gatherings
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• 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% alcohol.
For any questions, please call Public Health at 307-367-2157. For current information on COVID-19 in Sublette County, go to the Sublette COVID-19 webpage at sublettewycovid.com.
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