First COVID-19 Case in Washakie County

New numbers released by the Wyoming Department of Health this morning shows the number of COVID-19 cases in the state going from 56 last night to 70 this morning (Friday) including a case in Washakie County.

The new numbers also show zero cases in Hot Springs County after officials in Hot Springs County announced that they had their first case.

According to Washakie County Public Health, Washakie County has its first reported positive COVID-19 case, as the Wyoming Department of Health on Friday reports 70 total cases statewide.

Amanda Heinemeyer, Washakie County Public Health Nurse Manager, said the person is a Worland resident with recent out- of- state travel. The patient is currently hospitalized in Hot Springs County. This was originally reported as the Hot Springs County case that was announced on Thursday. Currently there are zero cases in Hot Springs County.

As is standard, the Wyoming Department of Health and Washakie County Public Health are leading the investigation. Close contacts will be identified and notified of precautions.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever and shortness of breath. Dr. Edward Zimmerman, Washakie County Health Officer states, "People who only show mild symptoms of the disease are being told to self-isolate at home, a strategy being referred to as 'flattening the curve' of the disease outbreak."

As always, anyone who is ill should stay home unless they need medical attention.

Household contacts of a positive case are also told to stay home. Older people and those with underlying health conditions should maintain social distancing and stay home as much as possible.

Social distancing, frequent hand washing, covering one's mouth after a cough or sneeze, and sanitizing surfaces are a few of the steps that can be taken to avoid the virus. Avoid contact with those who are sick if at all possible but if already sick, stay home from work.

More information about COVID-19 and Wyoming can be found at https://health.wyo.gov/.../infecti.../disease/novel-coronavirus/.

There are cases in 13 of Wyoming's 23 counties at this time.

Testing Numbers

3/27/20

Tests completed at Wyoming Public Health Laboratory: 1,041

Tests completed at CDC lab: 1

Tests reported by commercial labs: 239

(Commercial labs are required to report positive test results to WDH; negative results are not reported consistently.)

Total reported positive cases: 70

Cases by County

Albany: 1

Big Horn

Campbell: 1

Carbon: 3

Converse

Crook

Fremont: 17

Goshen: 1

Hot Springs:

Johnson: 4

Laramie: 17

Lincoln

Natrona: 8

Niobrara

Park: 1

Platte

Sheridan: 5

Sublette

Sweetwater: 1

Teton: 10

Uinta

Washakie: 1

Weston