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Government responses to and political effects of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 (Wyoming)
Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.
This article contains coverage of eight kinds of state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The article tracks developments in these areas that took place between the start of the pandemic in March 2020 through Dec. 4, 2020. The government responses covered here include:
- Changes to election dates and procedures in 2020
- Initial stay-at-home orders
- Executive orders
- Coronavirus-related legislation in 2020
- Changes to the state's 2020 legislative session
- Court closures
- The release of inmates
- Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies
Additionally, the article includes:
- Arguments related to the state's response to the coronavirus
- Individual industries and activities from May 15 through July 31
- The state's initial plan to reopen from March and April 2020 closures
- Coronavirus resources relevant to the state.
To view current coverage areas, including mask requirements, school responses, travel restrictions, and much more, click a state in the map below.
Changes to election dates and procedures, March 16 through November 19
General election changes
Wyoming did not modify any procedures for the November 3, 2020, general election.
For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.
Primary election changes
Political party events in Wyoming were modified as follows:
- Political party events: The Democratic Party of Wyoming canceled its in-person presidential caucus, originally scheduled for April 4.
For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.
Click the gray bar below for more detailed information.
Statewide stay-at-home order, March 23 through December 4
As of April 3, 2020, Wyoming had not issued a statewide stay-at-home order.
Executive orders, March 30 through June 29
- State of Emergency declared
- Executive Order 2020-2 Declaration of a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency
- Governor Announces Coronavirus Task Forces
- Governor and State Health Officer Issue Statewide Closure for Public Spaces
- Executive Order 2020-3 Emergency Exemption from Permissible Operating Time Regulations and Waiver of Allowable Size and Weight Permit Fees
- Statewide Public Health Order #2 Forbidding Gatherings of Ten People or More
- Executive Order 2020-04 Suspension of Provisions of Certain Statutes and Rules Related to Driver Licenses Due to a Public Health Emergency
- Executive Order 2020-5 Restaurant/Bar & Grill Emergency Liquor Service
- Second Continuation of Public Health Order #3 closing non-essential personal services through April 30
- Second Continuation of Public Health Order #2 forbidding gatherings of 10 people or more through April 30
- Statewide Directive for Individuals Arriving in Wyoming From Another State or Country to Self-Quarantine through April 30
- Third Continuation of Public Health Order #1: Closing Bars, Restaurants, Theaters, Gymnasiums, Child Care Facilities, K-12 Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Trade Schools Statewide
- Third Continuation and Modification of Public Health Order #2: Forbidding Gatherings of Ten (10) People or More
- Third Continuation and Modification of Public Health Order #3: Temporary Closure of Nail Salons, Hair Salons, Barber Shops, Massage Therapy Services, Tattoo Body Art and Piercing Shops, and Cosmetology, Electrology, and Esthetic Services
- Fourth Continuation, and Modification, of Statewide Public Health Order Regarding Bars, Restaurants, Theaters, Gymnasiums, Child Care Facilities, K-12 Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Trade Schools
- Fourth Continuation, and Modification, of Statewide Public Health Order #3 Regarding Nail Salons, Hair Salons, Barber Shops, Massage Therapy Services, Tattoo, Body Art and Piercing Shops, and Cosmetology, Electrology, and Esthetic Services
- Fourth Continuation, and Modification, of Statewide Public Health Order #2: Forbidding Gatherings of More than Twenty-Five (25) People
- Executive Order 2020-7 Restaurant/Bar & Grill Emergency Liquor Service
- Fifth Continuation and Modification, of Statewide Public Health Order Regarding Bars, Restaurants, Theaters, Gymnasiums, Child Care Facilities, K-12 Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Trade Schools
- Fifth Continuation and Modification, of Statewide Public Health Order #3 Regarding Nail Salons, Hair Salons, Barber Shops, Massage Therapy Services, Tattoo, Body Art and Piercing Shops, and Cosmetology, Electrology, and Esthetic Services
- Fifth Continuation and Modification, of Statewide Public Health Order #2: Regarding Gatherings of More Than Twenty-Five People
- Sixth Continuation and Modification, of Statewide Public Health Order Regarding Bars, Restaurants, Theaters, Gymnasiums, Child Care Facilities, K-12 Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Trade Schools
- Sixth Continuation and Modification, of Statewide Public Health Order #3 Regarding Nail Salons, Hair Salons, Barber Shops, Massage Therapy Services, Tattoo, Body Art and Piercing Shops, and Cosmetology, Electrology, and Esthetic Services
- Sixth Continuation and Modification, of Statewide Public Health Order #2: Regarding Gatherings of More Than Fifty People
- Seventh Continuation and Modification, of Statewide Public Health Order #2: Regarding Gatherings of More Than Fifty People
- Seventh Continuation and Modification, of Statewide Public Health Order Regarding Bars, Restaurants, Theaters, Gymnasiums, Child Care Facilities, K-12 Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Trade Schools
- Seventh Continuation and Modification, of Statewide Public Health Order #3 Regarding Nail Salons, Hair Salons, Barber Shops, Massage Therapy Services, Tattoo, Body Art and Piercing Shops, and Cosmetology, Electrology, and Esthetic Services
Court closures, March 17 through November 4
- August 3, 2020: Jury trials were allowed to resume on a limited basis. Chief Justice Michael K. Davis issued an order on July 24 that extended the judicial emergency through October 5 while loosening some restrictions. The Court encouraged the use of video for most hearings until at least October 5.[4]
- June 12, 2020: The Wyoming Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and the suspension of jury trials through August 3.[5]
- May 15, 2020: The Wyoming Supreme Court extended its suspension of jury trials through August 3. Judges were encouraged to use phone and video conferences for hearings. The Supreme Court also issued Court COVID-10 Reopening Guidelines for Court and Employees and Public Proceedings and COVID-19 Operating Plan Template to help courts prepare to resume normal operations.[6]
- April 1, 2020: The Wyoming Supreme Court extended their previous orders suspending in-person and jury trials through May 31.
- March 18, 2020: Effective as of Monday, March 23, the Wyoming Supreme Court suspended in-person proceedings through at least April 10, except in certain specified instances. The court encouraged judges to use video or telephone when possible, and to reschedule civil trials and criminal trials “subject to the requirement that defendants be provided speedy trials as required by law.”[7]
Legislative session changes, March 20 through October 1
The Wyoming State Legislature convened a special session on May 15, 2020. The legislature adjourned May 16, 2020.[8]
Proposed and enacted legislation, March 25 through August 19
See below for a complete list of bills related to the coronavirus pandemic in Wyoming. To learn more about a particular bill, click its title. This information is provided by BillTrack50 and LegiScan.
Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies, April 9 through November 24
- April 1, 2020: The Wyoming Supreme Court extended the suspension all in-person proceedings, including evictions, through May 31.[9]
- March 18, 2020: The Wyoming Supreme Court suspended all in-person proceedings, including evictions, through April 10.[10]
Prison inmate release responses, March 30 through July 1
- Between March 30 and July 1, Wyoming did not make an announcement concerning the release of incarcerated individuals due to coronavirus on a state level. A few counties released inmates on the local level.[11]
Ballotpedia is covering the debate over continuing restrictions and closures in Wyoming in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Click on the links below to read more about these debates.
- Debate over the stay-at-home order
- Debate over school closures
- Debate over religious service restrictions
- Debate over election policy
Status of industries and activities by state
Initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures
Wyoming released an initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures on April 23, 2020. An analysis of this plan appeared in our Documenting America's Path to Recovery newsletter on July 9. The sections below include an analysis of the plan, the details of the plan, and reactions from officials to the plan
Summary from Documenting America's Path to Recovery
On April 23, Gov. Mark Gordon announced the state could start reopening by April 30 and released A Transition Plan for a Healthy Wyoming. In a press release, Gordon said, “Our transition must be health data-driven, not date-driven. If the people of Wyoming continue to do the right thing and we see the improvements we need to see, we will continue our transition." The transition plan described general parameters for reopening: “The transition will be gradual and phased. In the weeks and months ahead, Wyoming residents should know there may be future actions, orders and recommendations put into place to continue to protect lives.” The plan also said the state might reopen along regional or local lines, depending on health data. Unlike many other states, Wyoming's plan did not include a comprehensive list of planned phases. According to the document, the state’s reopening decisions are based on the following metrics:
- Number of new cases over time
- Number of cases attributed to community spread over time
- Positivity rate
- Number of COVID-19 hospital admissions
- Stability of hospital bed availability
- Stability of ICU bed availability
Context
- Wyoming did not issue a statewide stay-at-home order. Gordon issued an order closing what the state classified as non-essential businesses on March 20.
- As of July 8, there had been 1,404 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Wyoming and 21 confirmed deaths. A total of 38,577 residents had been tested, amounting to a positive test rate of 3.6 percent. As of July 2019, Wyoming’s estimated population was 578,759. Per 100,000 residents, there have been 242.6 confirmed positives, 3.6 confirmed deaths, and 6,665.5 total tests.
- Wyoming is a Republican trifecta, with a Republican governor and Republican majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.
Plan details
Wyoming’s transition plan did not contain guidance or requirements for businesses or individuals. Below is a timeline of executive orders issued by the governor and other state officials, starting with the March 20 business closure.
March 20
Gordon ordered the following businesses and services to close:
- Schools (K-12 and colleges)
- Theaters
- Dine-in services at restaurants and bars
- Employee cafeterias
- Nightclubs
- Gyms
- Museums
March 21
State health officer Dr. Alexia Harrist issued a supplemental order for individuals prohibiting gatherings of over 10 people.
May 1
Gordon authorized the following businesses and services to reopen:
- Gyms
- Personal care services (including barbershops and salons)
May 13
State health officer Dr. Alexia Harrist issued a supplemental order for individuals raising the gathering limit to 25 people.
May 15
Gordon authorized the following businesses and services to reopen:
- Gyms (classes up to 20 people)
- Indoor and outdoor dining service at bars and restaurants
- Movie theaters and performance venues
- Nightclubs
- Childcare centers
May 27
Gordon raised limits for outdoor gathering to 250 people.
June 10
Gordon authorized the following businesses and services to reopen:
- Schools (K-12 and colleges)
June 15
Gordon raised limits for indoor gatherings to 250 people with social distancing or 50 people when social distancing is not possible.
June 17
The state updated guidance to allow for outdoor visitation at long term care facilities.
Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.
State resources
Twitter feeds for government officials and agencies appear below.
Federal resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
- U.S. Department of Education
- World Health Organization
See also
- Documenting America's Path to Recovery
- Wyoming’s path to recovery from the coronavirus pandemic
- School responses in Wyoming to the coronavirus pandemic
- School responses to the coronavirus pandemic by state
- COVID-19 vaccine distribution by state
- Travel restrictions by state
- Federal government responses to the coronavirus pandemic
Footnotes
- ↑ Facebook, "Wyoming Democratic Party on March 12, 2020," accessed March 13, 2020
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Wyoming Democratic Party, "Caucus Information," accessed March 23, 2020
- ↑ Rocket Miner, "Justice continues during pandemic," July 30, 2020
- ↑ IN THE SUPREME COURT, STATE OF WYOMING, "FOURTH ORDER AMENDING MARCH 18, 2020 TEMPORARY PLAN TO ADDRESS HEALTH RISKS POSED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC," June 12, 2020
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedMay18 - ↑ Wyoming State Supreme Court, "Wyoming Supreme Court Issues COVID-19 Emergency Order," March 18, 2020
- ↑ Oil City News, "RARE WYOMING LEGISLATURE SPECIAL SESSION TO TAKE ON COVID-19," May 15, 2020
- ↑ IN THE SUPREME COURT, STATE OF WYOMING, " ORDER ADOPTING TEMPORARY PLAN TO ADDRESS HEALTH RISKS POSED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC," April 1, 2020
- ↑ IN THE SUPREME COURT, STATE OF WYOMING, " ORDER ADOPTING TEMPORARY PLAN TO ADDRESS HEALTH RISKS POSED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC," March 18, 2020
- ↑ Casper Star-Tribune "Riverton circuit court judge releases jail inmates over virus," March 20, 2020
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