Mayor Orr, Facebook

Cheyenne’s Mayor and the president of City Council have released a joint statement, following the announcement on restrictions for several of Cheyenne’s businesses. The restrictions come surrounded by concern over COVID-19, an illness caused by coronavirus.

“Essential city services, police, fire, sanitation, and snow removal will continue to operate,” Marian Orr and Dr. Mark Rinne said Thursday morning. “Cheyenne has the finest public servants and we grateful for the work they continue to carry out.”

The Mayor and President went on to express sympathy for those affected by the disease and the preventive measures being taken.

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The Mayor and President’s full statement follows:

The County Health Official has taken the extraordinary step of issuing an order that will close all theaters, bars, fitness centers, gyms, and museums be closed for the next two weeks. In addition, any restaurants or coffee shops will be allowed to provide drive-up or curbside service only. Essential city services, police, fire, sanitation, and snow removal will continue to operate. Cheyenne has the finest public servants and we grateful for the work they continue to carry out. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new strain that we do not know much about. This strain appears to be more virulent than previous strains that we have dealt with. In addition, the mortality appears to be higher than the influenza that we normally deal with. Consequently, governments around the country and the world are taking steps to control the transmission of COVID-19. The worst-case scenario is that the disease spikes so rapidly that our ability to treat patients is overwhelmed. Those are the reasons that we have to take such aggressive measures. We want to express sympathy for those directly affected by this decision. We know that the next few weeks will be difficult for all of us. Particularly, for those that will be struggling to get by without an income. While we are disappointed in the decision to restrict businesses in Cheyenne, we understand the decision. Finally, we encourage all of us to follow the recommended guidelines. Please do not succumb to the hysteria and hoard food and household supplies. Think about your fellow citizens. Take care of each other and be safe. Cheyenne Mayor Marian Orr

This article originally appeared on Cap City News. Used with permission.

The Latest Statistics from the Wyoming Department of Health:

What to do if you are feeling sick: In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Casper-Natrona County Health Department says that people who are feeling sick or exhibiting symptoms should contact their primary physician.

If you do not have a primary care provider, and live in Natrona County, please contact the COVID-19 hotline, operated by the Casper-Natrona County Department of Health. The line is open Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 577-9892. Hotline services are intended for Natrona County residents and may not be able to provide specific information to persons calling from out of county.

Officials ask that you please do not self-report to the Emergency Room. Persons experiencing problems breathing should call 9-11.

For general inquiries and non-symptom related questions about COVID-19, please contact the Casper-Natrona County Health Department via email: covid@cnchd.org

Practice Social Distancing by putting distance between yourself and other people. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

by putting This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Stay home if you’re sick

Cover coughs and sneezes. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

A list of area closures attributed to COVID-19 are available here.