SUBLETTE COUNTY – The Wyoming Department of Health reported 10 new cases of COVID-19 in Sublette County since May 6, and as of a May 14 update from Sublette County Public Health, there were five active cases of COVID-19 in the county.

Public Health Nurse Manager Janna Lee shared a graphic that showed vaccination rates among counties in Wyoming. Sublette County, as of May 10 numbers, had 21.18 percent of its population vaccinated. That’s compared to 55.71 percent of neighboring Teton and 24.75 percent of Sweetwater counties.

Last week the Federal Drug Administration expanded the Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include individuals aged 12 and older. According to Lee, Public Health is currently working on scheduling vaccine clinics to administer the Pfizer vaccine to individuals who are interested. Details on registration information, as well as clinic dates and locations, will be made available this week.

As of May 14, Sublette County has administered 4,188 total doses of the Moderna vaccine – including 2,003 second doses. It has resumed administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and has now given 213 doses of that.

Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated public health recommendations so fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting – except when required by laws and regulations – because studies show fully vaccinated people are not at risk for spreading COVID-19. The CDC also said fully vaccinated people can refrain from testing following a known exposure unless they are residents or employees of a correctional or detention facility or homeless shelter.

Also last week, the Wyoming Department of Health extended current statewide public health orders pertaining to indoor events and mask requirements in K-12 institutions where social distancing cannot be maintained.

During the weekly COVID-19 health update, Emily Ray said the Sublette County Rural Health Care District’s monthly Lunch and Learn program will be returning. Also in that update, Steve Kipp talked about his role as the current Public Health Response Coordinator for Sublette County.