(Dan Cepeda, Oil City File)

Natrona County School District announced schools will be closed starting tomorrow, March 16, until at least April 5.

According to a message from the NCSD, the decision was made after Governor Mark Gordon and superintendent Jillian Bilow recommended on Sunday afternoon that all schools in the state should close amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“NCSD will share additional details and further information with parents, guardians and staff as soon as possible in the coming days,” said the message.

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St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Casper will also close, according to a statement sent by email.

“We will let you know as soon as we can what our plans are for accommodating the learning needs of our students,” said the message.

Teton County School District announced it would close schools at least until the end of spring break on Sunday, followed shortly by the Laramie County School District.

The move comes amid a flurry of closures and restrictions in states across the country as officials try to slow the spread of COVID-19.

As of Sunday, March 15, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county. There are three confirmed cases so far in Wyoming as of Sunday.

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.