County facilities open as Health Alert downgraded to Level 2 status

WORLAND — The Washakie County commissioners met Friday afternoon, May 1, with department heads via teleconference and at the Washakie County Fairgrounds to discuss reducing the Level 3 health status that was in place currently on county facilities.

The county commissioners, along with a consensus from departments heads, voted to reduce the county down to a modified Level 2 status, opening all county facilities Monday, May 4. This will open all county facilities to the public with restrictions, except for the Ten Sleep Library and Washakie County Library.

The restrictions in place will not allow for more than 10 people to gather at county facilities, and six feet distances will need to be maintained. Masks and gloves will not be required to be worn by the public when entering the facility, but may be requested by staff to customers to wear under certain scenarios such as searching files in the county clerk’s vault.

Washakie County Library System Director Karen Funk announced Tuesday that the libraries will be open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. No more than 10 people will be allowed in the library at any one time, with a limit of one hour per visit. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Curbside pick-up is available by phone.

Persons arriving at the library to enter must call to be let into the library, 347-2231 for Washakie County Library and 366-2348 for Ten Sleep Branch Library.

The Washakie County Sheriff’s Office began allowing fingerprinting services again on May 2 for those who need it. Certain protocols are in place including requiring those entering the facility to wear protective equipment such as gloves and a mask.

The county is planning to maintain cleaning procedures to ensure that public facilities will not become infected, and sneeze guards have been installed in county offices to separate employees and customers.

At the Friday meeting, the commissioners provided clarification regarding camping in the Bighorn National Forest, and said that dispersed camping is still allowed in the forest. Developed campsites in the forest are still closed through May 31 with fire bans in place at those campsites.

Worland City Hall opened Monday, May 4 to the public with no more than 10 people allowed in city hall at any one time. Social distancing is required and is marked on the floor. Residents visiting city hall are asked to wear a mask covering nose and mouth.

Hours for city hall will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at this time.

Drop off boxes are available at the city and the county.