JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — COVID cases on the rise again including the more highly transmissibly Delta variant has prompted increased measures to slow the spread of a pandemic that is resurging in some areas of the U.S.
Currently, approximately one in every four positive COVID cases is a ‘breakthrough’ case where fully vaccinated individuals test positive.
The Town of Jackson is mandating masks indoors for all of its employees and the public that interacts with them. As during past phases of response, employees in offices working individually do not need to wear masks, but must wear them in hallways, corridors, bathrooms, and all public indoor spaces. Future town council meetings may also shift back to 100% virtual.
New guidance from the CDC issued earlier this week recommends masks be worn in public indoor settings in areas of the country with high transmission rates by all residents, vaccinated or not. Local health officials are calling Teton County an area currently experiencing high transmission rates.
In turn, masks will be required in all federal buildings. For Jackson Hole, that would include any visitor centers and buildings associated with Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, National Elk Refuge, and Yellowstone National Park.
County health officials are encouraging all everyone to wear masks in public indoor settings, regardless of their vaccination status.
Teton County Health Department dashboard shows the county is currently in Yellow (low) risk level with 55 new COVID cases in the past two weeks compared to 41 at the previous report (July 21), a reported 28 on July 14, a reported 8 on July 7, and a reported 5 on June 24.
Health director Jodie Pond is crunching numbers and reportedly considering a move up to Orange (moderate) risk level.
