Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
WORLAND — Washakie County has seen a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases over the past month.
Washakie County had 0 active cases on June 15 and as of Monday had 7 active lab-confirmed cases. On Tuesday the number of active was down to 3.
The number of total lab-confirmed cases went from 724 on July 15 to 739 on Monday, July 26.
During the COVID-19 pandemic that began in March 2020, Washakie County has had 739 lab-confirmed and 206 probable cases of COVID-19 and 26 deaths. Probable cases are residents who had positive antigen tests or are symptomatic close contacts of lab-confirmed cases.
According to the Wyoming Department of Health COVID website, Washakie Medical Center is reporting at least one hospitalization of a COVID patient.
In the Big Horn Basin, Cody Regional Health reported three hospitalizations on Friday and the number decreased to one on Monday. Powell Valley Healthcare reported one hospitalization on Monday. North Big Horn Hospital in Lovell also had one reported hospitalization on Monday. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center has the highest number of COVID patients with 32.
VACCINATIONS
Washakie County Public Health continues to offer free COVID-19 vaccines to anyone over the age of 12.
Appointments can be made by calling the office at 307-347-3278 and, if possible, please complete the patient information form ahead of time and bring it to your appointment. This form, as well as the vaccine information sheet can be found at washakiecounty.net/public-health
Washakie County is using the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine; all follow-up appointments will be 28 days after the first dose was received for Moderna and 21 days after first dose for Pfizer vaccine.
In Wyoming 32.8% of eligible residents are fully vaccinated (both shots). There are 13.7% in Wyoming fully vaccinated between ages of 12 and 17, 41.8% 18 to 64 and 60.9% ages 65 and older.
Currently, 29.58% of all Washakie County has been vaccinated, 9% of youth 12 to 17; 36.45% 18 and older and 59.25% for those 65 and older.
Hot Springs County has 35.09% of its population fully vaccinated, Big Horn County 26.54% and Park 36.41%.
According to Washakie County Public Health Nurse Manager Amanda Heinemeyer, “As we move into the next phase of this worldwide pandemic, we will be posting pertinent information on our regular Facebook page, @washakiepublichealth, and transitioning away from our Washakie County Covid-19 page. If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to like our page for all the up-to-date information.”
Washakie County Public Health is asking residents to continue to take precautions and consider getting the vaccine if you haven’t already done so.
WORLAND
HEALTHCARE
The Wyoming Department of Health confirmed late last week that there is one confirmed case at a long-term care facility in Worland. According to Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Director Heidi Glanz the positive case is not a resident nor a full-time employee.
She said, however, the one case has moved them into outbreak status per guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The positive case was reported on about July 15 and resulted in visitation inside being stopped and testing to resume. She said once one round of testing was clear residents could resume eating in the dining room.
Glanz noted that for residents and current active staff there are nearly 85% who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
She said until the outbreak status last week residents could have visitors in common areas. That will resume once they are clear from the outbreak status – no cases for 14 days.
Visitation for compassionate care and end-of-life events have been and will continue to be allowed, Glanz emphasized. Visitors for those visits will be screened for COVID and must wear an N95 mask.
She added that any fully vaccinated resident can leave the facility with family members and they are only asked to follow any public health orders in place. Currently in Wyoming there are no health orders related to COVID-19.
They do not need to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated, Glanz said, noting in 2020 if a resident left the facility they had to quarantine in their room for 14 days after coming back.