Natrona County Health Officer Dr. Mark Dowell on Thursday announced that health officials have no choice but to implement a mask mandate.
“We have to do this,” Dowell said, later adding. “This is a medical emergency.”
Hospitals in Wyoming are having to turn away patients from other states because there is no room left. Dowell said same is true for patients from areas like Sheridan who would otherwise be sent to hospitals in Billings.
In announcing the mandate, Dowell said he’s in support of the mandate because it protects Natrona County citizens. He added that health officials anticipate more deaths.
“We’re not trying to make this into a punishment,” Dowell said. “We’re trying to keep our citizens healthy and alive.”