Governor Gordon signs Emergency Declaration

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon signed an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency in Wyoming today in response to the nationwide coronavirus pandemic. The proactive measure allows the Governor to more quickly activate the Wyoming National Guard in the event it is necessary and also makes state businesses eligible to apply for federal funding from the Small Business Association.

“Although we have only one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Wyoming, I have taken this action to ensure we are prepared in the event additional steps need to be taken,” Governor Gordon said. “We continue to be most concerned about our state’s elderly and vulnerable populations and want to ensure we are taking all necessary steps to address what we may face going forward.”

Earlier today, President Trump made a federal emergency declaration, freeing up federal funding to fight the pandemic.

Governor Gordon’s Executive Order ensures the State Health Officer has the authority to address large-scale health challenges the state may face in the future. In addition, with the declaration some Wyoming small businesses will be eligible for emergency loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. For more information on the emergency loan program, visit the SBA website at https://www.sba.gov/

The whole executive order can be read here https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WYGOV/2020/03/13/file_attachments/1400574/Executive%20Order%202020-2.pdf